Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 17, 2025

Stenosis of the Inferior Vena Cava: A Murine Model of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Published on: December 22, 2017
Inferior Vena Cava Filter in Childhood Septic Deep Vein Thrombosis
Salim Aljabari1, Shahzad Waheed1, Ryan Davis2
1Department of Child Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States.
Insights
Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters can be safely used in children with septic venous thromboembolism (VTE) when anticoagulation is not possible. This case report highlights a favorable outcome in a critically ill pediatric patient.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric critical care medicine
- Vascular interventions
- Thromboembolic disease management
Background:
- Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are an alternative to anticoagulation for venous thromboembolism (VTE) when contraindicated.
- Pediatric IVC filter use remains infrequent despite rising childhood VTE rates.
- Septic VTE was historically a contraindication for IVC filter placement.
Observation:
- A critically ill 12-year-old patient presented with extensive IVC thrombus and multiple pulmonary emboli.
- Anticoagulation was contraindicated due to the patient's septic condition.
- An IVC filter was successfully deployed in this pediatric patient.
Findings:
- The IVC filter was used safely and effectively in a pediatric patient with septic VTE.
- The patient experienced a favorable outcome with resolution of VTE complications.
- This case suggests IVC filters may be a viable option in select pediatric septic VTE cases.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of IVC filter use in pediatric septic VTE.
- It supports considering IVC filters in critically ill children where anticoagulation is not feasible.
- Further research is warranted to establish safety and efficacy guidelines for pediatric IVC filter use in septic VTE.
Abstract:
Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter in venous thromboembolism (VTE) is an alternative to anticoagulation when the latter is contraindicated. The use of IVC filter in pediatrics continues to be rare and has not increased despite the ever-increasing rates of childhood VTE. Historically, septic VTE was regarded as a contraindication to IVC filter. Safety and efficacy of IVC filters in septic VTE have been reported in adult patients but not in pediatric patients. In this study, we reported a safe use of IVC filter in a critically ill 12-year-old patient with a large IVC thrombus and multiple pulmonary embolisms with favorable outcome.
Related Concept Videos
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Hemodialysis I: Introduction
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Veins 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...

