A needle through the heart: rare complication of inferior vena caval filters

J Invasive Cardiol. 2009 Nov;21(11):E221-3.

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism is the third most common cardiovascular disease. For prevention of pulmonary embolism, vena caval filters are extensively used in the United States. Of the reported complications of vena caval filters, strut fracture of the filter is the least common. We present a rare case of pericardial tamponade from fractured filter strut/leg embolization. We also discuss a possible hypothesis for the filter fracture along with its complications.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cardiac Tamponade / diagnostic imaging
  • Cardiac Tamponade / etiology*
  • Coronary Angiography
  • Female
  • Foreign-Body Migration / diagnostic imaging
  • Foreign-Body Migration / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Pulmonary Embolism / prevention & control*
  • Vena Cava Filters / adverse effects*