Final answer:
The long-term complications of an IVC filter include an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis, filter migration, filter fracture, IVC occlusion, and particularly, catheter-related bloodstream infections, which can lead to significant morbidity and mortality.
Step-by-step explanation:
Long-term complications of inserting an Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filter can include an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis, filter migration, filter fracture, and IVC occlusion, among others.
Although IVC filters are critical interventions for preventing pulmonary embolisms, they are not without risks. Prolonged use of venous catheters, such as IVC filters, is associated with several potential complications. The most serious is the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections, which can result in significant morbidity and mortality. The World Health Organization has reported up to 80,000 such infections annually in the US alone, leading to approximately 20,000 deaths. Other issues may include mechanical failures of the filter, such as fracture or migration, which can lead to organ damage or additional embolic events. Additionally, the presence of a foreign body within the bloodstream can lead to thrombosis at the site of the filter (IVC thrombosis), which can further complicate patient outcomes. Long-term anticoagulation therapy may be necessary for patients with IVC filters, which carries its own risks and potential complications.