Extravascular Migration of a Fractured Inferior Vena Cava Filter Strut

Korean J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2017 Jun;50(3):224-227. doi: 10.5090/kjtcs.2017.50.3.224. Epub 2017 Jun 5.

Abstract

A 20-year-old man presented with a femur fracture and epidural hemorrhage (EDH) following a fall. One month after fracture surgery, swelling developed in both legs, and he was diagnosed as having a deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. A retrievable inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) was inserted, because EDH is a contraindication to anticoagulants. Four months later, he complained of abdominal pain, and a computed tomography scan showed a fractured IVCF strut. After percutaneous removal failed 3 times, the IVCF was surgically removed by orthopedists using a portable image intensifier without cardiopulmonary bypass.

Keywords: Fracture; Migration; Vena cava filters.

Publication types

  • Case Reports