• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.443-447
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• 2017

Background: The inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) is very effective for preventing pulmonary embolism in patients who cannot undergo anticoagulation therapy. However, if a filter is placed in the body permanently, it may lead to other complications. Methods: A retrospective study was performed of 159 patients who underwent retrievable Cook Celect IVCF implantation between January 2007 and April 2015 at a single center. Baseline characteristics, indications, and complications caused by the filter were investigated. Results: The most common underlying disease of patients receiving the filter was cancer (24.3%). Venous thrombolysis or thrombectomy was the most common indication for IVCF insertion in this study (47.2%). The most common complication was inferior vena cava penetration, the risk of which increased the longer the filter remained in the body (p=0.032, Exp(B)=1.004). Conclusion: If the patient is able to retry anticoagulation therapy and the filter is no longer needed, the filter should be removed, even if a long time has elapsed since implantation. If the filter cannot be removed, it is recommended that follow-up computed tomography be performed regularly to monitor the progress of venous thromboembolisms as well as any filter-related complications.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.65 no.3
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• pp.225-229
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• 2008

Inferior vena cava filters are increasingly being used as an alternative to anticoagulation therapy for the prevention of pulmonary embolism. However, using an Inferior vena cava filter may result in clinically significant complications. Phlegmasia cerulea dolens is a rare disease that presents with acute complete venous occlusion due to extensive thrombosis in the lower extremity. It is characterized by intense pain, edema, decreased pulses and a cyanotic extremity. We report here on a case of phlegmasia cerulea dolens that was accompanied with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) as a complication of the placement of an inferior vena cava filter in a patient who had been previously diagnosed with pulmonary embolism, and the patient had recently developed a cerebral hemorrhage due to a traffic accident.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.69-71
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• 2012

The inferior vena cava (IVC) filter is known as an effective and safe method for preventing fatal pulmonary thromboembolism in patients with deep vein thrombosis. Usually, the remaining IVC filters are asymptomatic and do not cause clinical problems. We report a case of duodenal perforation caused by a remaining IVC filter.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.224-227
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• 2017

A 20-year-old man presented with a femur fracture and epidural hemorrhage (EDH) following a fall. One month after fracture surgery, swelling developed in both legs, and he was diagnosed as having a deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. A retrievable inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) was inserted, because EDH is a contraindication to anticoagulants. Four months later, he complained of abdominal pain, and a computed tomography scan showed a fractured IVCF strut. After percutaneous removal failed 3 times, the IVCF was surgically removed by orthopedists using a portable image intensifier without cardiopulmonary bypass.

• Vascular Specialist International
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.103-108
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• 2018

Purpose: Surgery is the most common risk factor for pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients with a recent venous thromboembolism (VTE). This study reviewed clinical outcomes of preoperative inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) use in patients with acute VTE during abdominal-pelvic cancer or lower extremity orthopedic surgeries. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 122 patients with a recent VTE who underwent IVCF replacement prior to abdominal-pelvic cancer or lower extremity orthopedic surgery conducted between January 2010 and December 2016. Demographics, clinical characteristics, postoperative IVCF status, risk factors for a captured thrombus, and clinical outcomes were collected for these subjects. Results: Among the 122 study patients who were diagnosed with acute VTE in the prior 3 months and underwent preoperative IVCF replacement, 70 patients (57.4%) received abdominal-pelvic cancer surgery and 52 (42.6%) underwent lower extremity orthopedic surgery. There were no perioperative complications associated with IVCF in the study population and no cases of symptomatic PE postoperatively. A captured thrombus in the filter was identified postoperatively in 16 patients (13.1%). Logistic regression analysis indicated that postoperative anticoagulation within 48 hours significantly reduced the risk of a captured thrombus (odds ratio [OR], 0.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.08-0.94; P=0.032). Conclusion: A captured thrombus in preoperative IVCF was identified postoperatively in 16 patients (13.1%). Postoperative anticoagulation within 48 hours reduces the risk of captured thrombus in these cases.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.312-315
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• 2013

Abdominal compartment syndrome is one cause of deep vein thrombosis of lower extremity. Although prophylactic dose of anticoagulation agent is safely started after 24~48 hours without the evidence of active bleeding, there may be bleeding complication related to invasive procedure which trauma victims undergo. Inferior vena cava filter should be considered in the treatment plan of this complex situation.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.166-169
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• 2016

Afferent loop obstruction following gastrectomy is a rare but fatal complication. Clinical features of afferent loop obstruction are mainly gastrointestinal symptoms. A 56-year-old female underwent radical total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy for treatment of advanced gastric cancer. After fourteen months postoperatively, she showed gradual development of edema of both legs. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed disease progression at the jejunojejunostomy site and consequent dilated afferent loop, which resulted in inferior vena cava (IVC) compression. A drainage catheter was placed percutaneously into the afferent loop through the intrahepatic duct and an IVC filter was placed at the suprarenal IVC, and self-expanding metal stents were inserted into bilateral common iliac veins. With these procedures, sympotms related with afferent loop obstruction and deep vein thrombosis were improved dramatically. The follow-up abdominal CT scan was taken 3 weeks later and revealed the completely decompressed afferent loop and improved IVC patency. Surgical treatment should be considered as the first choice for afferent loop obstruction; however, because it is more immediate and less invasive, non-surgical modalities, such as percutaneous catheter drainage or stent placement, can be effective alternatives for inoperable cases or risky patients who have severe medical comorbidities.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.41-48
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• 2013

Background: We present our 12-year experience of pulmonary thromboendarterectomy in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Materials and Methods: Between January 1999 and March 2011, 16 patients underwent pulmonary thromboendarterectomy. Eleven patients (69%) were classified as functional class III or IV based on the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification. Seven patients had a history of inferior vena cava filter insertion, and 5 patients showed coagulation disorders. Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy was performed during total circulatory arrest with deep hypothermia in 14 patients. Results: In-hospital mortality and late death occurred in 2 patients (12.5%) and 1 patient (6.3%), respectively. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support was required in 4 patients who developed severe hypoxemia after surgery. Thirteen of the 14 survivors have been followed up for 54 months (range, 2 to 141 months). The pulmonary arterial systolic pressure and cardiothoracic ratio on chest radiography was significantly decreased after surgery ($76{\pm}26$ mmHg vs. $41{\pm}17$ mmHg, p=0.001; $55%{\pm}8%$ vs. $48%{\pm}3%$, p=0.003). Tricuspid regurgitation was reduced from $2.1{\pm}1.1$ to $0.7{\pm}0.6$ (p=0.007), and the NYHA functional class was also improved to I or II in 13 patients (81%). These symptomatic and hemodynamic improvements maintained during the late follow-up period. Conclusion: Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension shows good clinical outcomes with acceptable early and long term mortality.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.757-762
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• 2009

Background: Compression of the left common iliac vein by the overriding common iliac artery is frequently combined with acute deep vein thrombosis in patients with May-Thurner Syndrome. We evaluate the results of treatment with thrombolysis and thrombectomy followed by stenting in 34 patients with May-Thurner Syndrome combined with lower extremity deep venous thrombosis. Material and Method: The authors retrospectively reviewed the records of 34 patients (mean age: $65{\pm}14$ year old) who had undergone stent insertion for acute deep vein thrombosis that was caused by May-Thurner syndrome. After thrombectomy and thrombolysis, insertion of a wall stent and balloon angioplasty were performed to relieve the compression of the left common iliac vein. Urokinase at a rate of 80,000 to 120,000 U/hour was infused into the thrombosed vein via a multi-side hole thrombolysis catheter. A retrieval inferior vena cava (IVC) filter was placed to protect against pulmonary embolism in 30 patients (88%). Oral anticoagulation with warfarin was maintained for 3 months, and follow-up Multi Detector Computerized Tomography (MDCT) angiography was done at the date of the patients' hospital discharge and at the 6 months follow-up. Result: The symptoms of deep venous thrombosis disappeared in two patients (4%), and there was clinical improvement within 48 hours in twenty eight patients (82%), but there was no improvement in four patients (8%). The MDCT angiography at discharge showed no thrombus in 9 patients (26%) and partial thrombus in 21 (62%), whereas the follow-up MDCT at $6.4{\pm}5.5$ months (32 patients) revealed no thrombus in 23 patients (72%), and partial thrombus in 9 patients (26%). Two patients (6%) had recurrence of DVT, so they underwent retreatment. Conclusion: Stent insertion with catheter-directed thrombolysis and thrombectomy is an effective treatment for May-Thurner syndrome combined with acute deep vein thrombosis in the lower extremity.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.39 no.8 s.265
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• pp.626-632
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• 2006

Background: Pulmonary hypertension caused by chronic pulmonary embolism is underrecognized and carries a poor prognosis. Medical therapy is generally unsatisfactory and palliative. With the improvement of operative technique and postoperative management, pulmonary endarterectomy has been the treatment of choice for this condition. Material and Method: Between January 2001 and December 2005, eleven patients were received pulmonary endarterectomy. All patients had chronic dyspnea and exercise intolerance. Diagnosis was made with cardiac echocardiography, lung perfusion scan and computed tomography. Before the operation, Greenfield vena cava filter were placed in all patient except one. Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest was used for the distal-most portion of the endarterectomy procedure. More than moderate degree of tricuspid reguirgitation was repaired during operation. Result: There was no early and late death. Right ventricular systolic pressure was reduced significantly after operation from $91{\pm}21$ mmHg to $40{\pm}17$ mmHg on echocardiography (p=0.001). NYHA class and tricuspid reguirgitaion were improved postoperatively. Although mild reperfusion injury in three case and postoperative delirium in one case were observed, all of them recovered without complication. Conclusion: Pulmonary thromboendarterctomy offers to patient an acceptable morbidity rate and anticipation of clinical improvement. This method is safe and effective operation for pulmonary hypertension caused by chronic pulmonary thromboembolism.