Intravascular ultrasound-guided inferior vena cava filter placement using a single-puncture technique in 99 patients

To assess the feasibility and safety of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) to guide inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement using a single venous puncture technique.

Medical records of all patients who had IVC filters placed under IVUS guidance between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2011 were retrospectively reviewed for pertinent history, results, and complications. All filters were placed using a single venous puncture technique.

Filters were successfully placed within the IVC in 94% of the patients with 6 malpositioned filters (4 in the iliac veins and 2 in the suprarenal IVC). Complications included groin hematoma (4%), deep venous thrombosis at the site of vascular access (2%), and filter tilt >15° along the long axis of the IVC (2%).

The IVUS-guided IVC filter placement using a single venous puncture technique is technically feasible and safe when compared to case series using a double venous puncture technique.