Vena cava filter ensnarement and delayed migration: an unusual series of cases.
OBJECTIVE
To review delayed and guidewire-induced morbidity associated with vena cava filters.


METHODS
The records from the Johns Hopkins Hospital, a tertiary care referral center, of all patients who had vena cava filter complications from August 1993 through July 1996 were retrospectively reviewed.


RESULTS
Five patients had filter migration or ensnarement with a guidewire. One patient had delayed extrusion of a filter strut into the duodenum. Four patients had filters ensnared by guidewires, including one during initial filter placement and one several years after placement.


CONCLUSIONS
Delayed complications of vena cava filters should be considered whenever unusual patient signs or symptoms cannot be easily explained, even in the absence of a history of filter placement. To prevent guidewire ensnarement of filters, simple techniques should modify endovascular procedures when vena cava filters are present.
Dardik
A
A
Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21287-4605, USA.
Campbell
K A
KA
Yeo
C J
CJ
Lipsett
P A
PA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005548:Foreign-Body Migration; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016306:Vena Cava Filters / Q000009:adverse effects*