Procedural and indwelling complications with inferior vena cava filters: frequency, etiology, and management

Lazar Milovanovic; Sean A Kennedy; Mehran Midia

doi:10.1055/s-0034-1396962

Procedural and indwelling complications with inferior vena cava filters: frequency, etiology, and management

Semin Intervent Radiol. 2015 Mar;32(1):34-41. doi: 10.1055/s-0034-1396962.

Authors

Lazar Milovanovic¹, Sean A Kennedy¹, Mehran Midia²

Affiliations

¹ Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
² Department of Diagnostic Imaging, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Abstract

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are commonly used in select high-risk patients for the prevention of pulmonary embolism. Potentially serious complications can arise from the use of IVC filters, including thrombosis of the filter itself and filter fragment embolization. This article discusses the utility of IVC filters and reviews the management of two cases of filter-related complications.

Keywords: IVC filter; deep vein thrombosis; filter complication; interventional radiology; pulmonary embolism.

Publication types

Review