Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure in Patients With Inferior Vena Cava Filters: A Case Series

Percutaneous procedures through femoral access in patients with inferior vena cava (IVC) filter may be at risk of complications. We evaluated the feasibility and safety of left atrial appendage (LAA) closure through femoral access in patients previously implanted with IVC filter.

From November 2011 to March 2018, a total of 5 patients with history of IVC filter implantation were referred to our center for percutaneous LAA closure, representing 3.6% of the 137 procedures performed during the study period. The IVC filter devices were placed from 2 to 26 months before the index procedure.

LAA closure was successfully implanted in all cases using an Amulet device in 3 patients and a Watchman device in 2 patients. A femoral approach was performed in all patients using 12 or 14 Fr sheaths. Before crossing IVC filters, venographies did not detect any thrombus. All steps of IVC filter crossing were performed under fluoroscopic guidance. No immediate or late complications related to the procedure occurred after 10.1 ± 3.9 months of follow-up.

LAA closure in patients with previously implanted IVC filter is safe as long as careful x-ray monitoring is observed.