Outcome of a retrieval stent filter and 30 mm balloon dilator for patients with Budd–Chiari syndrome and chronic inferior vena cava thrombosis: a prospective pilot study

AimTo evaluate the mid-term safety and efficacy of a retrieval stent filter and 30 mm balloon dilator in the treatment of Budd–Chiari syndrome (BCS) patients with chronic inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis.Materials and methodsTwenty-three consecutive patients with BCS and chronic IVC thrombosis were treated with a retrieval stent filter and a 30 mm balloon dilator, and subsequently underwent color Doppler ultrasound follow-up at our hospital. Data relating to the technical success, angiographic and ultrasound results, mortality, morbidity, and final clinical outcome were collected retrospectively and follow-ups were performed 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after placement of the stent, and annually thereafter.ResultsStent filter placement and balloon dilation were technically successful in all patients, with no procedure-related complications. Removal of the stent filter was technically successful in 22 of 23 attempts, yielding a technical successful rate of 95.7% (95% confidence intervals (CI): 87%, 105%). Inferior vena cavagrams performed immediately before stent removal demonstrated that the IVC thrombus had completely resolved in all patients without pulmonary embolism. The mean primary patency rate 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after venoplasty was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.79–1.04), 0.87 (95% CI: 0.72–1.02), 0.87 (95% CI: 0.72–1.02), and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.72–1.02), respectively. The secondary patency rates were 1.00 throughout the follow-up period. All patients are alive with resolution of the symptoms at the time of this report.ConclusionsThe preliminary results indicate that the retrieval stent filter and 30 mm balloon dilator are a safe and effective treatment for BCS patients with chronic IVC thrombosis.