OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the application of inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) in prevention of peri-operative pulmonary embolism in patients with bone fracture combined with deep venous thrombosis (DVT).

METHODSFrom July 2007 to April 2011, 572 cases of bone fractures consequent with DVT that confirmed by Duplex were deployed IVCF to avoid fatal pulmonary embolism in the para-operative period. There were 318 male and 254 female patients with a mean age of (51±23) years (ranging from 16 to 94 years).

RESULTSAll the operations of deployment of the IVCFs were successfully. There were 174 permanent and 399 temporary IVCFs deployed. In all 399 temporary filters, 389 filters were taken out successfully. The mean station time in the IVC of the temporary filters was 22.8 days (7 to 60 days), among which, 118 were found of captured thrombus. After the follow-up of mean 16 months (3 to 40 months) of 566 patients, no pulmonary embolism occurred, but symptomatic DVT were revealed in 15 patients, and the conditions were improved after anticoagulation treatment. No serious complication of post thrombotic syndrome occurred.

CONCLUSIONIVCF deployment can prevent the trauma patients with deep vein thrombosis of fatal pulmonary embolism in the peri-operative period, which may also offer a safe condition to the orthopedic operations.