title: Retrievability of optional inferior vena cava filters with caudal migration and caval penetration: report of three cases.
abstract: The present report describes the safe retrieval of caudally migrated optional inferior vena cava (IVC) filters with significant IVC penetration. Three patients had optional IVC filters placed for deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary emboli and contraindications for anticoagulation. Subsequent imaging showed caudal migration and penetration of the filter legs through the IVC wall. All filters were removed without major complications. One patient experienced abdominal pain after filter removal, which required no treatment. Caudal migration of optional filters with IVC wall penetration by the filter legs may be more common with new filter designs in which the secondary and primary struts are separated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Health System, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Cardiovascular Center 5582, Interventional Radiology, SPC #5868, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.
authors.forename: Mohammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Arabi
authors.forename: Jonathan M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Willatt
authors.forename: James J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Shields
authors.forename: Kyung J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.forename: Wojciech B
authors.initials: WB
authors.lastname: Cwikiel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D020878:Device Removal / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005548:Foreign-Body Migration / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016306:Vena Cava Filters / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014682:Vena Cava, Inferior / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*