Inferior Vena Cava Filter Fracture Research Articles

Case-based Review of Migrated Devices Seen at Cardiothoracic Imaging.

While medical device migration is rare, it has important clinical implications that can lead to increased morbidity and mortality if not promptly detected, and radiologists play a critical role in ...

Multicenter investigation of the incidence of inferior vena cava filter fracture.

Inferior vena cava filter fracture (FF) may cause life-threatening complications, including cardiac tamponade, although the actual prevalence remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the incidence of FF. Data on fracture incidence with filter brands, filter positions [suprarenal (SR) vs. infrarenal (IR)], and follow-up durations were collected from the databases of eight hospitals. Of 532 patients, Günther Tulip (GT), Trap/OptEase (TE/OE), ALN and VenaTech (VT) were implanted in 345, 147, 38 and 2 patients, respectively. Of these, filter retrieval was attempted in 110 (21.7%) patients and was successful in 106 (96.4%). Of the remaining 426 patients, FFs were observed in two (0.7%) of 270 GT filters and 19 (14.1%) of 135 TE/OE filters. Fragment embolization occurred in one patient with a GT filter (50.0%) and three with a TE/OE filter (15.8%) with a total follow-up interval of 718.0 ± 1019.4days. FF occurred more frequently in TE/OE than in GT filters (p < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier estimates showed significantly higher fracture-free rates for GT than TE/OE (p < 0.001) and IR-TE/OE than SR-TE/OE (p < 0.05). TE/OE filters are not suitable for permanent implantation due to the relatively early and high fracture rates.

3:54 PM Abstract No. 57 Do magnification spot radiographs increase detection of inferior vena cava filter fractures prior to removal compared to preprocedure CT?

3:54 PM Abstract No. 57 Do magnification spot radiographs increase detection of inferior vena cava filter fractures prior to removal compared to preprocedure CT?

Inferior Vena Cava Filter Fracture and Migration: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are an option for the prevention of pulmonary emboli in patients who have venous thrombosis and a contraindication to anticoagulation, but their placement is not without risk. We describe a case of a patient with a Gunther-Tulip IVC filter that fractured and migrated to the left distal pulmonary artery. The leg was removed using bronchoscopy forceps and a French sheath without complication. Fracture and migration of IVC filters is rare with only a few case reports in the literature. It is important to consider given the potential for significant morbidity and mortality.

Fractured Bard Recovery, G2, and G2 Express Inferior Vena Cava Filters: Incidence, Clinical Consequences, and Outcomes of Removal Attempts

To increase the understanding of risks of inferior vena cava (IVC) filter fracture and embolization and the safety of removing fractured filters via retrospective review of a prospectively collected database of fractured IVC filters. A total of 63 fractured IVC filters were discovered among 548 patients presenting for retrievable filter removal between April 2004 and November 2010 at a single institution. Device type, duration of implantation, component fracture, and embolization events were recorded. Success rates and techniques for removal of components were recorded. A total of 63 fractured Recovery, G2, and G2 Express IVC filters were identified, for an overall fracture rate of 12%. Excluding foot process fractures, the fracture rate for only filter arms and/or legs was 6%. The incidence of fracture increased with longer filter dwell times. Success rates for removal of the nonfractured component (ie, main body) and fractured components (ie, arm or leg) were 98.4% and 53.4%, respectively. The distal embolization rate of fractured filter components was 13%. There were no immediate clinically significant complications associated with fracture component embolization or filter removal. A single patient was encountered with symptoms related to their fractured filter. IVC filter fracture rates increase with longer dwell times; however, removal of fractured filters and fractured components (ie, arms and legs) can be achieved safely and effectively. Clinically significant complications of IVC filter fracture are rare, and there were no immediate clinical sequelae related to embolization of fracture components.

Fracture and Embolization of an Inferior Vena Cava Filter Strut Leading to Cardiac Tamponade

A 56-year-old woman presented to the Emergency Department of Parkland Memorial Hospital complaining of chest pain. She had a remote history of a hemorrhagic cerebrovascular accident complicated by pulmonary embolism, for which a Gunther-Tulip inferior vena cava (IVC) filter had been placed 6 years previously. In the triage area, the patient collapsed and was found to be hypotensive. An ECG showed sinus bradycardia with nonspecific ST and T-wave changes …

In Vitro Metal Fatigue Testing of Inferior Vena Cava Filters

Inferior vena cava filter fractures have been described in vivo on several occasions. No studies have compared the fatigue life of the different filter types. Four different, frequently used filters (Vena-Tech filters [VTF], stainless-steel Greenfield filters [SSGF], Simon nitinol filters [SNF], and titanium Greenfield filters [TGF]) were, therefore, tested with regard to fatigue life. Ten filters of each type were tested by compressing the filter legs repeatedly. A travel distance of 1.5 cm was used, setting minimal and maximal filter leg separations of 1.0 cm and 2.5 cm, respectively. The endpoint was filter fracture or 10,000,000 compressions. The test was then repeated on five of the filters from each group, but on a different filter leg pair. Seven of 10 VTFs fractured during the first part of the study, and all five VTFs fractured during the second part of the study. One SSGF fractured in each part of the study. None of the SNFs or the TGFs fractured. Significant difference in fracture frequency was found. The VTFs appear to have the shortest fatigue life. The TGF and the SNF have a fatigue life exceeding the test limits. The consequences of filter fracture are unknown.