Computational Modeling of Blood Flow in the TrapEase Inferior Vena Cava Filter

The authors have designed a computer model to study the hemodynamics of the TrapEase filter with various thrombi and trapping positions. The model offers advantages over in vitro techniques, specifically improved resolution and easy adaptation for new filter designs, thrombus morphologies and/or sizes, and flow parameters. The results agree with those of previous bench experiments that suggest the upstream trapping position of the TrapEase filter leads to a potentially thrombogenic region of stagnant and/or recirculating flow with low shear stress. These findings are supported by clinical studies showing an increased incidence of occlusive and/or nonocclusive thrombus within the TrapEase filter and the retrievable, nearly structurally identical, OptEase filter.