Clinical experience with Günther temporary inferior vena cava filters.

This retrospective study was performed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Gunther temporary inferior vena cava (IVC) filters. Fifteen Gunther temporary filters were placed in 13 patients because of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) with pulmonary embolism (PE) despite DVT prophylaxis (9/13) or temporary contraindications for anticoagulants as well as recent or pending surgery (4/13). No clinical manifestation of PE was observed during the filtration or during the removal. Gunther temporary IVC filters are easy and safe to use, and are effective in clot trapping, protecting patients at high risk for PE in whom anticoagulation treatment failed or is contraindicated.