Pilot in vivo study of an absorbable polydioxanone vena cava filter

It is envisioned that an ideal inferior vena cava (IVC) filter for short-term prophylaxis would simply vanish without intervention after an appropriate indication period, thereby alleviating retrieval and potentially adverse events from chronic use. The absorbable polymer polydioxanone was found in a recent in vitro study to have favorable strength retention over time, making it a strong candidate for IVC filter application. The purpose of this in vivo study was to assess (1) strength retention of polydioxanone as a function of time while in the venous system of swine and (2) feasibility of an absorbable IVC filter braided from polydioxanone in swine.