Percutaneous insertion of the Greenfield inferior vena cava filter: experience with ninety-six patients.

This article evaluates the ease, safety, and convenience of percutaneous Greenfield filter placement and compares percutaneous with surgical placement. Greenfield filters were inserted percutaneously into the inferior vena cava in 96 patients. Ninety filters were placed via the femoral route and 12 were placed from the right internal jugular vein. Six patients had two filters inserted. An inferior venacavogram was performed before filter insertion in all patients. Cavography provided vital information concerning diameter of the inferior vena cava, the level of the renal veins, and the presence and location of thrombus. Filter placement was accomplished in all patients in whom it was attempted. There were four minor complications and one periprocedural death. The incidence of documented femoral vein thrombosis that could be related to percutaneous placement via the femoral veins was 33%; however, none of these patients had permanent venous stasis sequelae. Percutaneous insertion of the Greenfield filter is a safe and convenient procedure and is superior to surgical placement in terms of time, logistics, and the accuracy of filter positioning.