A case of hepatic, renal and duodenal penetration by a Celect inferior vena caval filter

Abstract

Inferior vena caval (IVC) filters are used as a mechanical option for the treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) when standard anticoagulation therapy is either contraindicated or VTE recurs despite adequate anticoagulation. Filters are not without risk, however. Reported complications include filter migration and fracture of filter components, leading to IVC rupture and penetration into pericaval tissues (notably kidney, heart, pericardium, thoracic cavity, liver, bowel and aorta). Here we describe an extreme case of multiple organ penetration by a standard Celect caval filter.

Inferior Vena Cava Filter Broken and Migrated to Left Ventricle With Destruction of Mitral Valve

“…The first surgically placed filter developed by Mobin-Uddin (1967) was subsequently superseded by Greenfield's percutaneously inserted device (1973). 1 Today, IVC filters are used for the treatment of venous thromboembolism when standard anticoagulation therapy is either contraindicated or venous thromboembolism recurs despite adequate anticoagulation. The decision to place these filters is based largely on physician preference, as there are few prospective data or formal guidelines to support their use.…”