IVC filter use in patients with a history of venous thromboembolism undergoing bariatric surgery: a MBSAQIP study

Research on the use of prophylactic inferior vena cave filter (IVCF) placement prior to metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) in high risk patients has yielded conflicting results. We evaluated thrombotic events and mortality in patients with a history of venous thromboembolism (VTE) who underwent IVCF placement in anticipation of MBS.

We queried the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) database for all patients undergoing primary sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass from 2015 to 2019 with a history of VTE. We tabulated yearly IVCF use and compared 30-day rates of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), readmission, mortality, and serious adverse events in patients with and without prophylactic IVCF placement. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between preoperative placement of an IVCF and postoperative outcomes.

Of 754,397 patients undergoing MBS, 16,683 (2.2%) had a prior VTE. Placement of IVCF in anticipation of MBS decreased from 285/2245 (10.4%) in 2015 to 85/3750 (2.2%) in 2019 (p < 0.01). The incidence of PE did not differ significantly between patients with prophylactic IVCF vs. those without (0.1% vs 0.5%, p = 0.13). Postoperative DVT was more common in patients who underwent IVCF placement (1.7% vs. 0.8%, p < 0.01). No significant differences were observed in mortality. Preoperative placement of an IVCF was an independent risk factor for development of a postoperative DVT (OR 2.45; 95% CI 1.39–4.32).

These data do not support a history of VTE as an indication for prophylactic IVCF placement in anticipation of MBS.