Preferential central venous catheter access with concurrent IVC filter use

In our aging population, there is an increased incidence of concurrent IVC filter and central venous catheter use. One of the risks of concurrent use is filter embolization, which almost always occurs due to the J-tipped guidewire. In this case, we describe the successful placement of a central venous catheter in the femoral vein in a patient with an IVC filter. Some guidelines exist concerning CVC placement in patients with IVC filters, and this case highlights the benefits of placing a CVC in the femoral vein. While little research exists regarding higher rates of IVC filter embolization in internal jugular and subclavian vein access sites, we hypothesize it is due to the conical shape of IVC filters.