Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Image Acquisition Method for the Sonographic Assessment of the Inferior Vena Cava
06:59

Image Acquisition Method for the Sonographic Assessment of the Inferior Vena Cava

Published on: January 13, 2023

A prospective observational study of IVC filters in pediatric patients

Leslie Raffini1, Anne Marie Cahill, Jeffrey Hellinger

  • 1Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. raffini@email.chop.edu

Pediatric Blood & Cancer
|June 19, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are feasible for pediatric patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) and contraindications to anticoagulation. No patients receiving IVC filters in this study developed pulmonary embolism (PE).

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Thrombosis and Embolism
  • Vascular Interventional Radiology
  • Cardiovascular Surgery

Background:

  • Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are increasingly used to prevent pulmonary embolism (PE), with growing use of retrievable filters.
  • Limited reports exist on the outcomes of IVC filter use in the pediatric population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the use and outcomes of IVC filters in pediatric patients with acute venous thromboembolism (VTE).
  • To assess the feasibility of IVC filter placement and removal in children.

Main Methods:

  • A longitudinal prospective cohort study of pediatric patients with VTE was conducted.
  • Data included medical history, risk factors, imaging, laboratory studies, therapy, and follow-up.
  • Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters were placed in 11 patients meeting study criteria.

Main Results:

  • Eleven pediatric patients (ages 6.8-23.4 years) received IVC filters, primarily for VTE with anticoagulation contraindications.
  • Nine retrievable filters were placed; seven were successfully removed. One retrievable filter could not be removed due to thrombus; another was electively retained.
  • No patient with an IVC filter developed a subsequent PE. One patient with a permanent filter died from malignancy.

Conclusions:

  • Approximately 5% of pediatric patients in the cohort received an IVC filter.
  • IVC filter placement and removal are technically feasible in children.
  • IVC filters may be a safe and effective option for preventing PE in select pediatric VTE cases.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention01:30

Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention

Accurate diagnosis and effective prevention are critical in managing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which is linked to high mortality rates ranging from 10% to 80%. Timely recognition of at-risk patients and careful monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of kidney damage.Diagnostic Assessments:The diagnostic process starts with a comprehensive medical history to identify prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal causes.Prerenal causes, such as dehydration, hypotension, or blood loss, should...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion01:26

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion

In pediatric medicine, understanding the renal function and drug elimination nuances is crucial for administering safe and effective treatments. Newborns, in particular, display markedly slower renal functions than adults, profoundly affecting how drugs are cleared from their bodies. This slower drug clearance requires clinicians to extend the dosing intervals for many medications to prevent drug accumulation and toxicity while ensuring therapeutic efficacy.One key area where these adjustments...
Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management01:29

Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a chronic infection of the heart's endocardium, primarily affecting the heart valves. A detailed nursing assessment for a patient with IE involves collecting subjective and objective data to ensure an accurate diagnosis and timely intervention.Subjective DataThe nurse gathers information about the patient's symptoms and complaints during the subjective assessment. Patients with infective endocarditis often report non-specific symptoms that can mimic other...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption01:23

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption

Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...
Imaging Studies V: Intravenous Urography and Retrograde Pyelography01:22

Imaging Studies V: Intravenous Urography and Retrograde Pyelography

IntroductionIntravenous Urography (IVU) and Retrograde Pyelography (RP) are important diagnostic imaging techniques used to evaluate the urinary system. These methods help identify structural abnormalities, obstructions, and functional issues in the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. Both procedures use iodine-based contrast media to enhance the visibility of urinary tract structures on X-ray images, though they differ in their methods and indications.1. Intravenous Urography (IVU)Intravenous...