Digital radiograph (DR) guided bedside IVC filter placements in patients with intracranial pressure monitors

The purpose of this study is to report a single center experience with portable digital radiographically (DR) guided bedside IVC filters placed in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with high ICP and elevated head of bed (HOB).

A retrospective chart review was conducted on all bedside IVC filters placed from January 1, 2010 to September 16, 2020. Patients with high ICP and elevated head of bed requirements were included. Charts were reviewed for filter type, common femoral vein (CFV) access, filter location, pre procedure imaging, pre and post filter ICPs, glascow coma scale, number of radiographs taken, and filter removal. ICPs were obtained 1 ​h prior to procedure and 2 ​h post procedure and analyzed with a paired T test.Filters were placed by reviewing prior CT scan for IVC size, caval variants, renal and iliac veins and vertebral body landmarks. Then, CFV access was obtained and a Bentson wire was advanced 30-40 ​cm. A radiograph was used to confirm adequate position of the of the wire. The filter sheath was advanced and serial radiographs were used to position the filter sheath at the final predetermined position below the renal veins and above the iliac bifurcation. The filter was deployed, and a radiograph was obtained to confirm filter positioning.

A total of 9 DR guided bedside IVC filters were placed (4 Denali, 3 Option Elite, 2 Celect). Indications included prophylactic placement (n ​= ​8) and acute DVT (n ​= ​1). The average patient age was 35.8 years (range: 18-56 years) CT abdomen and pelvis was used to assess for the level of renal veins in all patients (n ​= ​9). No caval variants were encountered on pre-procedural planning. The average pre, intraprocedural, and post procedure intracranial pressure was 16 ​mmHg, 13 ​mmHg, and 16 ​mmHg, respectively. Confirmation of placement after final placement was available in 7 patients (4 DR, 2 CT and one fluoroscopic examination). Two non-procedural related deaths occurred.Technical success, defined as successful placement of IVC filter at the predetermined level, was achieved in 100% of patients (n ​= ​9). The right CFV was used in most patients (n ​= ​7). The left CFV was used for access in two patients due to right CFV thrombus (n ​= ​1) and existing right femoral venous central line (n ​= ​1). The average number of radiographs taken was 5.8 (range 4-9). In all cases, filters were placed below the level of the lowest renal vein (n ​= ​9). A comparison of pre, during and post intervention ICP pressures is shown in table, 2. No differences between pre and post filter ICP was noted (p ​= ​0.77). Three filters were later removed. One minor complication was reported, which was filter tilt (23%) in an Option filter.

Bedside IVC filters can be safely placed in patients with head trauma and high ICP who are unable to lay supine using portable DR guidance with a high rate of technical success and minimal complications.