Cardiac Tamponade Caused by Fracture and Migration of Inferior Vena Cava Filter:

Right Ventricle Embolization of IVC Filter Fragments: An Incidental Finding

This case report describes a 52-year-old male patient, with the incidental finding of inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) fragments impacted into the right ventricle, secondary to IVCF fragmentation and subsequent embolization. While IVCFs are prescribed to prevent pulmonary embolizations when anticoagulation is either contraindicated, or has failed, IVCF embolizations to the heart represent an extremely rare, but potentially life-threatening complication. Of note, at the time of writing, the utility and effectiveness of IVCF are not fully established. Intracardiac embolizations of IVCF typically present with complications such as hypotension, cardiac tamponade, arrhythmias, ventricle perforation, bleeding, cardiac arrest, and death. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of an asymptomatic kidney transplant recipient found to have right ventricle embolizations of IVCF fragments through routine assessment. Additionally, this is also the first report of an asymptomatic patient who presented IVCF fragments embolized to the right ventricle and left gonadal vein in the same clinical setting.

Migration of a fractured inferior vena cava filter strut to the right ventricle of the heart

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are increasingly used in patients with recurrent venous thromboembolism in whom anticoagulation is contraindicated or intolerable. Migration of fragments is a known complication of IVC filter use. We present a case of a 32-year-old man, who presented with right-sided chest pain believed to be caused by a migrated IVC fragment to the right ventricle. The filter was removed by an endovascular cook forceps with the assistance of intracardiac echocardiography. This case serves as an addition to the existing reports of successful removal of intracardiac fragments via minimally invasive endovascular approach, amid a larger number of intracardiac fragments that have been removed by an open-heart approach.

Right Ventricular Perforation and Subsequent Cardiac Tamponade Caused by IVC Filter Strut Fracture Migration

Cardiac tamponade, if not recognized and treated immediately, is a life threatening condition with various etiologies. Most common causes of cardiac tamponade encountered in emergency rooms are due to trauma, post myocardial infarction wall rupture, cancer and all other causes of pericardial effusion. Iatrogenic causes of cardiac tamponade include anticoagulation and procedures related. Currently there is a general comfort level amongst physicians that inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are not associated with significant complications. However, one of the feared life-threatening immediate complications of IVC filter placement is complete migration of the filter to the heart, with possible risk for cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac tamponade, and death. IVC filter strut fracture and migration to the heart and pulmonary arteries is another possible cause of cardiac tamponade and needs to be added to the differential diagnosis in the setting of tamponade signs and symptoms in a patient with history of IVC filter placement. We present a case of IVC filter strut fracture and migration to the right ventricle with penetration of the free wall causing cardiac tamponade with subsequent successful percutaneous retrieval. We hope to raise awareness through this case of the rare but potentially fatal complications of IVC filter placement and to advise regarding the judicious use of IVC filters.

A Novel Source of Chest Pain in the Emergency Department

This is a case report of a patient with an unusual presentation of an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter migration with a delayed presentation, and without electrical or valvular abnormalities. We discuss considerations and potential complications from IVC filter placement from the emergency physician perspective.

Embolization of Inferior Vena Cava Filter Tyne and Right Ventricular Perforation: A Cardiac Missile

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter is a medical device placed in patients with proven pulmonary embolism or those with risk of embolization. Although many IVC filters are designed for removal after patient recovery, in many instances they are never retrieved. We present a case of a 22-year-old woman who underwent placement of an IVC filter as a prophylactic measure following a C-6 spinal injury that rendered her a quadriplegic. A tyne from the filter later fractured and embolized to the right ventricle, leading to perforation and subsequent large symptomatic pericardial effusion. The tyne was retrieved through a subxiphoid pericardial window, and the patient had an uneventful recovery. She later underwent retrieval of the entire filter.

IVC filter retrieval in adolescents: experience in a tertiary pediatric center

BACKGROUND

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are commonly implanted with the intent to prevent life-threatening pulmonary embolism in at-risk patients with contraindications to anticoagulation. Various studies have reported increases in the rate of venous thromboembolism within the pediatric population. The utility and safety of IVC filters in children has not yet been fully defined.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the technique and adjunctive maneuvers of IVC filter removal in children, demonstrate its technical success and identify complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective 10-year review was performed of 20 children (13 male, 7 female), mean age: 15.1 years (range: 12-19 years), who underwent IVC filter retrieval. Eleven of 20 (55%) were placed in our institution. Electronic medical records were reviewed for filter characteristics, retrieval technique, technical success and complications.

RESULTS

The technical success rate was 100%. Placement indications included: deep venous thrombosis with a contraindication to anticoagulation (10/20, 50%), free-floating thrombus (4/20, 20%), post-trauma pulmonary embolism prophylaxis (3/20, 15%) and pre-thrombolysis pulmonary patient (1/20, 5%). The mean implantation period was 63 days (range: 20-270 days). Standard retrieval was performed in 17/20 patients (85%). Adjunctive techniques were performed in 3/20 patients (15%) and included the double-snare technique, balloon assistance and endobronchial forceps retrieval. Median procedure time was 60 min (range: 45-240 min). Pre-retrieval cavogram demonstrated filter tilt in 5/20 patients (25%) with a mean angle of 17° (range: 8-40). Pre-retrieval CT demonstrated strut wall penetration and tip embedment in one patient each. There were two procedure-related complications: IVC mural dissection noted on venography in one patient and snare catheter fracture requiring retrieval in one patient. There were no early or late complications.

CONCLUSION

In children, IVC filter retrieval can be performed safely but may be challenging, especially in cases of filter tilt or embedding. Adjunctive techniques may increase filter retrieval rates.

Retrievable inferior vena cava filters can be placed and removed with a high degree of success: Initial experience

OBJECTIVES

Evaluate the success rate of retrievable inferior vena cava filter (IVC) removal in a tertiary care practice.

BACKGROUND

Retrievable IVC filters became readily available in the United States following Food and Drug Administration approval in 2003, and their use has increased dramatically. They represent an attractive option for patients with contraindications to anticoagulation who may only need short-term protection against pulmonary embolism.

METHODS

All patients who had undergone placement of a retrievable IVC filter at Mayo Clinic between 2003 and 2005 were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate our initial experience with retrievable inferior vena cava filters at a large tertiary care center.

RESULTS

During a three-year-period of time, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN placed 892 IVC filters of which 460 were retrievable. Of the 460 retrievable filters placed (249 Günther Tulip®, 207 Recovery®, and 4 OptEase®), retrieval was attempted in 223 (48.5%). Of 223 initial attempts, 196 (87.9%) were initially successful and 27 (12.1%) were unsuccessful. Of the 27 unsuccessful initial retrieval attempts, 23 (85.2%) were because of the presence of significant thrombus within the filter and 4 (14.8%) were because of tilting and strut perforation. Of the 23 filters containing significant thrombus, 9 (39.1%) were later retrieved after a period of anticoagulation and resolution of the thrombus.

CONCLUSIONS

Retrievable IVC filters can be removed with a high degree of success. Approximately one in ten retrievable IVC filter removal attempts may fail initially, usually because of significant thrombus within the filter. This does not preclude possible removal at a later date.

Migration of a fractured inferior vena cava filter strut to the right ventricle of the heart: a case report

A 23 year old woman presented with sudden onset retrosternal chest pain following an attempt to move a heavy object from her vehicle. Multiple fractured struts of an inferior vena cava filter were identified in the distal right and left pulmonary artery branches, and in the free wall of the right ventricle. A small pericardial effusion was noted. Because of the depth of penetration into the right ventricle, it was perceived not to be amenable to endovascular retrieval. Over several days of observation, she continued to have progressive retrosternal and left shoulder pain. She underwent exploratory sternotomy and extraction of a strut that was partially protruding from the right ventricle and abrading the diaphragmatic pericardium. The patient recovered quite well and was discharged on the third postoperative day.

CV, de Oliveira Jr. MT. Intracardiac embolization of inferior vena cava filter associated with right atrium perforation and cardiac tamponade

Insertion of inferior vena cava filters has been well established in literature, reducing occurrence of pulmonary embolism after an episode of deep venous thrombosis in patients with contraindication to anticoagulation. There are a small number of complications related to procedure and embolization is rare. In this context, we described a case of intracardiac embolization associated with cardiac tamponade.

Improving retrieval rates for retrievable inferior vena cava filters

The introduction of retrievable inferior vena cava (IVC) filters was an important step in the evolution of deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism management. Their removability makes them preferred to permanent filters in many cases. IVC filter retrieval often occurs at a suboptimal rate, leading to complications associated with long-term placement. Improving retrievability includes solutions for patients being lost to follow-up, filter malpositioning, need arising for permanent IVC filtration, filtration requiring longer than the filter's window of retrievability, and filter compromise by the presence of a large trapped clot. This review explores these strategies for retrieval in detail in hopes of improving IVC filter retrieval rates.

Fracture of a Tempofilter II: an initial case report

Tempofilter II is a device that is used for pulmonary embolism prophylaxis. Since the appearance of the Tempofilter II following withdrawal of the Tempofilter I, it has been reported that the Tempofilter II is safe, effective and useful. Here we report on the first case of a fracture of one leg of the filter and this leg was embedded in the inferior vena cava wall in a 62-year-old man with deep vein thrombosis.

Unintended coil migration into the right ventricle during the right ovarian vein coil embolization

PURPOSE

The aim of this article is to report a rare case of unintended coil migration into the right (Rt) ventricle.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 36-year-old Brazilian female was referred to us for the evaluation of pelvic pain. Venous duplex ultrasound findings were consistent with incompetent venous systems of right lower extremity (RLE). The diagnosis of grade III pelvic varices was confirmed with ovarian venography, and bilateral ovarian vein coil embolization was performed. The procedure was complicated with unintended migration of a small coil into the Rt ventricle.

DISCUSSION

In cases where coil or foreign body migration into the Rt heart or pulmonary circulation has occurred, endovascular retrieval or a thoracotomy has been performed. In our case, the migrated coil was left in situ without any hemodynamic disturbances in the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Coil migration to the Rt ventricle can be conservatively managed depending upon the location and coil profile.

Management of massive and submassive pulmonary embolism, iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis, and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is responsible for the hospitalization of >250 000 Americans annually and represents a significant risk for morbidity and mortality. Despite the publication of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to aid in the management of VTE in its acute and chronic forms, the clinician is frequently confronted with manifestations of VTE for which data are sparse and optimal management is unclear. In particular, the optimal use of advanced therapies for acute VTE, including thrombolysis and catheter-based therapies, remains uncertain. This report addresses the management of massive and submassive pulmonary embolism (PE), iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis (IFDVT),and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). The goal is to provide practical advice to enable the busy clinician to optimize the management of patients with these severe manifestations of VTE. Although this document makes recommendations for management, optimal medical decisions must incorporate other factors, including patient wishes, quality of life, and life expectancy based on age and comorbidities. The appropriateness of these recommendations for a specific patient may vary depending on these factors and will be best judged by the bedside clinician.

[Vena cava filters in trauma patients]

BACKGROUND

The introduction of removable inferior vena cava filters (IVCF) has created new options for the prevention of pulmonary embolisms in surgical trauma patients. We have observed increasing use in trauma patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was carried out of 49 trauma patients out of 85 who received IVCFs at our level 1 trauma centre in 2008.

RESULTS

The indications for IVCF placement were multiple trauma in 33 patients, severe head injury in 13 and spinal injury in 3 patients. Of the patients 34 underwent successful removal, 11 (22%) patients had had no retrieval attempt by December 2009 and attempts at removal were unsuccessful in 3 patients. The mean age of the patients was 33.3 years.

CONCLUSION

In 2008 the vast majority of IVCFs were inserted for prophylaxis in trauma patients. To increase the number of retrieved IVCFs, responsibility for the removal should be clarified in every hospital. The indications, advantages, safety and also the design of IVCFs are still under debate. A randomized controlled trial is needed to determine the appropriate use and indications for this potentially useful device in trauma patients.