IVC filter limb penetration of the caval wall during retroperitoneal surgery/lymph node dissection

Optional inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are being increasingly used for protection against pulmonary embolism in patients with deep vein thrombosis where anticoagulation is contraindicated. We describe two cases during retroperitoneal surgery where the IVC filters were found to have perforated the cava wall and were subsequently removed intra-operatively. Cava wall penetration by filter limbs poses a significant danger during retroperitoneal lymph node dissection and filters should be removed preoperatively.