Anatomic and Technical Considerations: Inferior Vena Cava Filter Placement

Abstract

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters play an important role in preventing pulmonary embolism in patients with deep venous thrombosis. When preparing for IVC filter placement, there are several important anatomic and technical considerations. The IVC has complex embryologic origins, and normal variants are relatively common which may necessitate a change in technique or approach. When performing the procedure, the choice in imaging modality for deployment, location of deployment, and route of access must be considered. The pediatric and pregnant populations present unique situations that require special consideration and close examination of indications and contraindications.

nferior Vena Cava Filter Placement in a Duplicated Inferior Vena Cava: A Case Report

“…A duplicated IVC occurs when the supracardinal veins persist bilaterally. 2 This configuration is estimated to be present in 0.2–3% of the general population. 3 With this anomaly, the iliac veins typically drain into the ipsilateral IVC.…”

“… 3 With this anomaly, the iliac veins typically drain into the ipsilateral IVC. 2 The IVCs vary greatly in size and may be symmetric, but a dominant IVC typically occurs, usually on the right side. This anomaly has multiple associations with cardiovascular and urinary system malformation.…”

“…4 Owing to the relative rarity of this anomaly, the approach to filter placement is largely debatable. 2 The most often described approach is placement of IVC filters in the bilateral infrarenal IVCs; however, there are reports of placing an IVC filter in the common suprarenal IVC. 2 , 5 …”