Superior vena cava perforation and cardiac tamponade after filter placement in the superior vena cava--a case report

The purpose of this paper is to report the complication of perforation of the superior vena cava (SVC) leading to cardiac tamponade after the insertion of a Trapease IVC filter in the SVC position. A 29-year-old man was hit by motor vehicle and sustained numerous injuries including a left skull fracture, intracerebral hemorrhage, and left open tibial shaft fracture. During his hospitalization, he developed an extensive symptomatic right upper extremity deep venous thrombosis involving the brachial, axillary, subclavian, internal jugular, and brachiocephalic veins. Owing to an intracerebral bleed, anticoagulation was contraindicated. Therefore, a Trapease filter (Cordis Inc.) was placed in the SVC via the left subclavian vein. Four hours later, the patient became hypotensive with associated tachycardia and tachypnea. Computed tomography of his chest revealed a hematoma around the SVC, a moderate amount of fluid within the pericardium, and a moderate-sized right pleural effusion. The patient was taken to the operating room and a pericardial window was performed. Approximately 500 cc of blood was evacuated from the pericardium and immediate improvement in vital signs was noted. The patient was discharged from the hospital 2 weeks later and at 6-month follow-up had made full recovery. This is the first case of SVC perforation leading to cardiac tamponade after the insertion of a Trapease filter. Owing to the rigid structure of the filter and associated motion of the SVC and pericardium, the Trapease filter may be contraindicated in the SVC.