Right heart catheterization in the presence of an inferior vena cava filter

W G Kussmaul1, R Secaira, D J McCormick

  • 1Hahnemann University Hospital Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, USA. wkussmaul@aol.com

Insights

Inferior vena cava filters are increasingly common. A standard femoral approach successfully facilitated right heart catheterization in patients with Greenfield filters, without complications.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Surgery
  • Interventional Radiology

Background:

  • Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are frequently implanted to prevent pulmonary embolism.
  • Right heart catheterization (RHC) is a crucial diagnostic procedure.
  • Accessing the right heart in patients with IVC filters can be challenging, often requiring alternative venous routes.

Observation:

  • This study evaluated a modified femoral approach for RHC in 10 patients with Greenfield IVC filters.
  • The technique involved assessing filter patency and carefully navigating the filter with a straight guidewire.
  • The standard femoral vein access was utilized.

Findings:

  • Successful RHC was achieved in all 10 patients using the described femoral technique.
  • No instances of filter migration or dislodgement were observed.
  • The procedure was completed without any complications.

Implications:

  • The standard femoral approach is a safe and effective method for RHC in patients with Greenfield IVC filters.
  • This technique simplifies RHC access, potentially avoiding more complex alternative routes.
  • It offers a valuable alternative for clinicians managing these patients.

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