How do in-line IV filters reduce hospital costs and length of stay?

The impact of particles or the impact of in-line IV filters retaining particles on ICU patients has been in the spotlight of researchers and clinicians since 2008. Pall Medical IV filter has been and continues to be a driving force in this regard.
Several animal studies and human clinical trials have demonstrated the clinical benefits of using Pall Medical in-line IV  filters.

• Animal models demonstrate that infusion of particles pose a major threat to critical tissue perfusion and that in-line IV filters prevent further reduction of postischemic functional capillary density. The results of the animal studies suggest that “in-line filters have potentially enormous relevance for patients with prior microvascular compromise of vital organs (i. e. post trauma, major surgery, sepsis).”^1,2
• Human clinical trials suggest that  in-line IV filters have a positive impact on ICU patients by preserving organ functions and reducing inflammation rates.^3-5
• Schmitt et al. compared in a clinical trial with in critically ill adult patients a fine filter (with 0.2/1.2 μm filters, n = 1506) vs. a control filter cohort (with 5.0 μm filters, n = 1506). They demonstrated a reduction of length of ICU (1.2 (0.6–4.9) vs 1.7 (0.8–6.9) days; P < 0.01) and hospital stay (14.0 (9.2–22.2) vs 14.8 (10.0–26.8) days; P = 0.01).²
• Jack et al. demonstrated in a single-centre, prospective, randomized controlled trial with critically ill children admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit a significantly reduction on the length of stay (3.89 [95 %  confidence interval 2.97-4.82] vs. 2.98 [2.33-3.64]; P = 0.025) and duration of mechanical ventilation (14.0 [5.6-22.4] vs. 11.0 [7.1-14.9] h; P = 0.028) were significantly reduced.¹

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FAQs

1. How can in-line IV  filters reduce hospital costs?
   By minimizing complications and shortening ICU stays, filters lower overall treatment costs and resource utilization. ^1-3
2. What clinical benefits do IV in-line filters provide?
   Studies have shown that in-line IV filtration may have a number of clinical benefits including preservation of organ function and complications in ICU. ^1-2
3. What evidence supports the use of in-line IV filters?
   There are many studies, literature reviews, guidelines and information from manufacturers supporting the use of in-line IV filters. ^1-5

4. Which patients benefit most from in-line IV filters?
   Patients with prior microvascular compromise, such as those recovering from trauma, major surgery, or sepsis. ^1-2

    

References

_{1.Jack T. et al. (2012). In-line filtration reduces severe complications and length of stay on pediatric intensive care unit: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial. Intensive Care Med; 38: 1008-1016
2.Schmitt E. et al. (2019). In-line filtration of intravenous infusion may reduce organ dysfunction of adult critical patients. Critical Care; 23 (373): 1-11
3.Unger-Hunt L. (2019). Reducing Risks and Generating Economic Benefits. Health Management; 19(4): 286-287
4.van Lingen R.A., Baerts W., Marquering A.C., Ruijs G.J. (2004). The use of in-line intravenous filters in sick newborn infants. Acta Paediatr; 93: 658-662
5.Van den Hoogen A., Krediet T.G., Uiterwaal C.S., Bolenius J.F., Gerards LJ., Fleer A. (2006) In-line filters in central venous catheters in a neonatal intensive care unit. J Perinat Med; 34: 71-74}

Author bio

Dr. Luibl is a Sr. Marketing Manager Medical Content with knowledge in medical device and clinical science.