[Outcome of patients undergoing surgical plication of the inferior vena cava]

Abstract

In a group of 70 patients, 40 undergoing the insertion of a Mobin-Uddin umbrella and 30 the placing of an Adams-DeWeese clip, the authors noted a 6% recurrent embolism rate within a follow up period of 14 months to 5 years. This was fatal in 1.5% of cases. There was 10.9% recurrent phlebitis and 9.4% sequelae of severe stasis. Mobin-Uddin umbrellas gave the most complications and should be reserved for the worst cases. Indications for the Adams-DeWeese clip can be extended to surgical patients with a thrombo-embolic risk and to dangerous clots visualised by phlebography.