Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 20, 2026
Image Acquisition Method for the Sonographic Assessment of the Inferior Vena Cava
Published on: January 13, 2023
Considerations for Imaging the Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) with/without IVC Filters
Jessie Aw-Zoretic1, Jeremy D Collins1
1Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.
Insights
Venous thromboembolic (VTE) disease, including deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, is a common cardiovascular condition. This review details imaging techniques for the vena cava, crucial for diagnosing and managing VTE, especially with filter placement.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Radiology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Venous thromboembolic (VTE) disease, encompassing deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is a significant cardiovascular disorder affecting all demographics.
- VTE is a chronic condition with a high recurrence rate, necessitating accurate diagnostic and monitoring strategies.
- Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are used to prevent recurrent VTE but can paradoxically promote thrombus formation and other complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of imaging techniques for the vena cava, with and without filters.
- To discuss the advantages and drawbacks of various IVC imaging modalities.
- To highlight the role of imaging in diagnosing VTE and managing complications related to IVC filters.
Main Methods:
- Review of current imaging modalities used for vena cava assessment.
- Discussion of techniques applicable to native vena cava and post-IVC filter placement.
- Analysis of imaging findings related to thrombus burden, propagation, and chronicity.
Main Results:
- Various imaging techniques offer different capabilities for visualizing the vena cava and thrombus.
- Imaging is essential for confirming VTE, assessing clot characteristics, and monitoring treatment.
- Understanding imaging limitations is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of VTE and IVC filter-related issues.
Conclusions:
- Accurate imaging of the vena cava is critical for the diagnosis and management of VTE.
- Imaging plays a vital role in evaluating the efficacy and complications of IVC filter placement.
- A comprehensive understanding of available imaging techniques aids in optimizing patient care for VTE.
Abstract:
Deep venous thrombosis (DVT), thrombosis of the inferior vena cava, and pulmonary embolism (PE) constitute a continuum that includes venous thromboembolic (VTE) disease. VTE is the third most common cardiovascular disorder that affects all races, ethnicities, gender, and ages. VTE predominantly affects the elderly population, exponentially increasing in incidence with increasing age. Venous thromboembolism is not only a singular event but a chronic disease and has been found to have a rate of recurrence approaching 40% among all patients after 10 years. Whether symptomatic or asymptomatic, once thromboembolism is suspected, objective methods are required for the accurate and confirmatory presence of a thrombus with imaging as the next step in the diagnostic algorithm. Imaging also allows for the determination of the extent of clot burden, clot propagation, occlusive versus nonocclusive thrombus, acute versus chronic thrombus, or in some cases thrombus recurrence versus thrombophlebitis. Vena caval filter placement is, in some instances, required to prevent a significant subsequent VTE event. Placement of these therapeutic devices paradoxically promotes thrombus formation, and other sequelae may arise from the placement of inferior vena cava filters. In this article, the authors provide an overview of available techniques for imaging the vena cava with or without a filter and discuss advantages and drawbacks for each.
More Related Videos
06:50Troubleshooting FoCUS Image Acquisition: Patient Positioning, Transducer Manipulation, and Image Optimization
Published on: March 3, 2023
05:51Computed Tomography (CT) Guided Implantation of a Totally Implantable Venous Access Port (TIVAP) through Subclavian Vein
Published on: January 13, 2026
Related Concept Videos
01:20Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
01:29Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
01:19Imaging Studies VII: Vascular Imaging
01:28Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
01:20Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
01:18Veins of the Abdomen and Pelvis
The inferior vena cava is fed by numerous smaller veins. The lumbar veins, for instance, drain the posterior abdominal wall, emptying both directly into the inferior vena cava and into the...