Tempofilter II for tumor emboli prevention during radical nephrectomy and inferior vena cava thrombus resection for renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) frequently have tumor thrombus of the renal vein or inferior vena cava (IVC). During radical nephrectomy, the tumor thrombus may become dislocated due to manipulation of the IVC during tumor isolation, which may result in pulmonary embolism. Placement of vena cava filters at the proximal end of the tumor thrombus have successfully prevented pulmonary embolism. We herein report the use of the Tempofilter II, a temporary filter for the prevention of pulmonary embolism. METHODS: From 2006 to 2008, seven patients with RCC and level II or III IVC tumor thrombus received radical nephrectomy with resection of the tumor thrombus. The Tempofilter II was inserted before the operation and removed postoperatively. RESULTS: The resection was successful in all seven cases. No complications, pulmonary embolism, or perioperative death occurred. No metastasis or tumor recurrence was detected during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The Tempofilter II is effective in preventing pulmonary embolism during resection of RCC and IVC thrombi. The filter is simple to insert and removal does not required imaging.