A new vena cava filter: experimental animal evaluation.

A new hypothrombogenic vena cava filter in the form of a thin (0.152mm thick) wire mesh was evaluated in 18 dogs. Each filter was inserted by the femoral vein approach with a 6.5 French Teflon catheter and left in place up to eight weeks. The vena cava remained patent in all animals, and the filters trapped all but very small (1-2mm) fragments of injection radiopaque clot. Intimal proliferation at points where the wire mesh abutted against the vena caval wall ensured stabilization of the catheter's position.