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Published on: May 26, 2015
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.
Abstract:
Inferior vena cava filters are being inserted with increasing frequency. When such patients later require right heart catheterization, brachial or jugular vein access is usually attempted. We describe our experience in 10 consecutive patients using the standard femoral approach, first assessing filter patency and then carefully crossing the filter using a straight guidewire. The right heart chambers were successfully accessed in every case. There were no complications, and in no case did the filter migrate or become dislodged. This technique may prove useful when right heart catheterization is indicated in a patient who has a Greenfield inferior vena cava filter.
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