title: Physico-chemical observations on a failed Greenfield vena cava filter.
abstract: A Greenfield vena cava filter for the prevention of thromboembolism failed in vivo due to the displacement of 2 of the 6 legs and their subsequent break. The explanted stainless steel filter was analyzed with an electron microscope and energy dispersion system in order to assess the reason for the break. Fatigue and corrosion of the metal were responsible for the failure.
authors.affiliation: Surgical Division, University of Milan, Branch of Monza, Italy.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Emanuelli
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Gatti
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cigada
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Brunella
mesh_terms: D003343:Corrosion; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008670:Metals; D008875:Middle Aged; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000209:etiology*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D016306:Vena Cava Filters
chemical_list: D008670:Metals