Inferior vena cava filter

Last revised by Angela Liao on 24 May 2023

Inferior vena cava filter, or just IVC filter, is an endovascular device that is typically placed in the infrarenal inferior vena cava (IVC) to prevent pulmonary embolism in selected patients. This procedure is most often performed by interventional radiologists under fluoroscopic guidance.

  • contraindication to anticoagulation, eg active gastrointestinal bleed or recent neurosurgery

  • pulmonary embolism despite anticoagulation

  • poor patient compliance with anticoagulation treatment

  • large iliocaval or floating IVC thrombus “widow-maker” thrombus

A temporary (i.e. retrievable) vena cava filter is typically placed for a short duration, usually weeks to a few months. The design of the temporary filter permits subsequent endovascular retrieval. In certain patients vena cava filters are left in situ indefinitely, these devices may be called permanent filters.

It is uncommon to be unable to place an inferior vena cava filter. Contraindications include:

  • review all available imaging to establish the indication for the procedure; previous studies can help assess IVC patency, size and presence of anomalies such as duplicated IVC and circumaortic renal vein

  • whilst departmental practices vary, interventionists often place IVC filters without stopping anticoagulation therapy

  • obtain informed consent for the procedure

  • arrange analgesia and sedation according to patient's comfort

The procedure is usually performed in the angiography suite with the patient in a supine position. Regular monitoring of the vital signs by a suitably trained staff member is recommended during the procedure. Clean skin with an antiseptic solution and drape to maintain sterility for the procedure.

  • ultrasound machine

  • 18 gauge needle. Alternatively 22 or 21 gauge needle and a micro-puncture access set

  • 0.035" vascular guide wire

  • multi-sidehole straight or pigtail catheter

  • commercially available vena cava filter set

Specific technical steps may vary according to personal preference and the type of filter being used. Generally, the internal jugular or femoral vein is punctured under ultrasound guidance and a guide wire is placed in the IVC. A venogram is obtained by injecting contrast through a multisidehole catheter positioned in the lower IVC or distal common iliac vein. The venogram is used to reassess the IVC for patency, size and anomalies. The location of the renal veins is often indicated by the presence of contrast reflux or flow voids. The venous access is dilated using a dilator. The vena cava filter is subsequently deployed in a suitable location through a delivery sheath, typically the infra-renal IVC. Another venogram is obtained to ensure satisfactory deployment of the filter. The delivery sheath is removed. Hemostasis is secured using manual compression.

Technical considerations in rare cases of a double IVC include bilateral infrarenal IVC filter placement 4. This is the most common approach, however, there is no consensus yet on the most optimal filter placement method ref. Other approaches include placement of the IVC filter in the common suprarenal IVC or embolizing the smaller, non-dominant IVC and then placing the filter in the dominant IVC 5.

Suprarenal placement 6 is reserved for special indications as the suprarenal IVC is wider and shorter and its caliber is more variable (under more influence of the heart). There is no increase in renal dysfunction nor other complications 8 when compared to infrarenal filters. The major indications for suprarenal filter placement are:

  • pregnant women where an infrarenal filter may be compressed by the gravid uterus, and

  • pre-existing infrarenal caval thrombus, in which case a suprarenal filter would need to be placed via a jugular approach.

Post-procedure care

Regular monitoring of vital signs is performed for the first few hours after the procedure.

  • bleeding

  • filter migration

    • locations include the heart, intrahepatic IVC, hepatic veins, renal veins and iliac veins 4

  • filter tilting (which makes removal more difficult)

  • vena cava injury

  • vena cava thrombosis 3 and obstruction

  • pulmonary embolism may occur despite the filter

  • venous insufficiency

  • filter fracture

    • 'natural/attritional'' or iatrogenic

    • fragments may embed in the IVC wall or migrate

  • insertion and guidewire-related complications

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