Evaluation of a new percutaneous stainless steel Greenfield filter

PURPOSE: To evaluate a new percutaneous Greenfield filter with an alternating hook design and over-the-wire delivery system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The alternating hook stainless steel Greenfield filter was evaluated in a prospective clinical trial between March 10, 1994, and January 27, 1995. Filters were placed in 75 patients in nine clinical centers and follow-up with radiographs and ultrasound scans was carried out at 30 days. RESULTS: Clinical trial results revealed successful placement in all patients. There were four cases of filter limb asymmetry (5.3%) without clinical sequelae, with one incidence of failure to span the cava. No significant migration was found. There were no clinically suspected pulmonary emboli, but one instance of probable caval penetration (1.7%) did occur. Caval occlusion was documented in three patients (5%). CONCLUSION: The percutaneous stainless steel Greenfield filter provides ease of insertion and improved deployment while maintaining the high standards of efficacy and safety associated with the standard and titanium Greenfield filters.