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Quantifying Inferior Vena Cava Compliance and Distensibility in an In Vivo Ovine Model Using 3D Angiography
Published on: April 26, 2024
Angioscopy for experimental evaluation of optional IVC filters
Hanno Hoppe1, Barry T Uchida, Dusan Pavcnik
1Dotter Interventional Institute, Oregon Health & Sciences University, L-342, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 7239-3098, USA. hoppeh@ohsu.edu
Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology : JVIR
|March 1, 2007
Summary
Direct angioscopy allows excellent visualization of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters during placement and retrieval. This technique provides valuable insights beyond traditional cavography, aiding in assessing filter integrity and retrieval complications.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Interventional Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are crucial for preventing pulmonary embolism.
- Assessing IVC filter placement and retrieval complications is essential for patient safety.
- Current imaging modalities may have limitations in visualizing filter details in situ.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish the feasibility of direct angioscopic visualization of IVC filters.
- To evaluate the utility of angioscopy during IVC filter retrieval procedures.
- To compare angioscopy with cavography for IVC filter assessment.
Main Methods:
- Angioscopy was performed in six sheep to visualize IVC filters.
- Cavograms were obtained before filter retrieval.
- Post-retrieval IVC perfusion and macroscopic inspection assessed for damage.
Main Results:
- Angioscopy provided excellent visibility of IVC filters and their retrieval.
- Adherent material was visualized on three filters using angioscopy.
- Three filters, in place for over 2 months, were irretrievable due to IVC wall incorporation.
- No IVC perforation was observed post-retrieval; minor endothelial detachment in one case.
Conclusions:
- Direct angioscopy is a feasible method for evaluating IVC filters in situ and during retrieval.
- Angioscopy offers supplementary information compared to cavography.
- Potential future applications include studying filter migration, compression, and clot trapping.

