Inferior vena cava perforation during percutaneous filter removal

Percutaneous Inferior Venacava (IVC) filter retrieval can be challenging when the filter is grossly angulated, embedded in the wall or penetrates through the IVC. When conventional filter removal technique fails, the use of advanced retrieval techniques often improves the chances of percutaneous filter retrieval. These techniques, however, are associated with a high rate of complications.

We report a case of 26-year-old female who had IVC filter placed on postpartum day 4. Attempted percutaneous filter retrieval 3 weeks later with loop snare technique and endobronchial forceps assisted filter removal technique resulted in gross filter deformity, malposition, and IVC perforation.

Open IVC filter removal was performed with midline laparotomy and cavotomy with lateral venorrhapy. The deformed filter along with adherent thrombus was completely removed. The patient had an uneventful recovery with no immediate or long-term complications.

Use of advanced endovascular IVC filter retrieval techniques could result in serious complications like filter fracture, migration and IVC perforation. Since excessive tilt of the filter at the time of placement often results in difficult retrieval, it is important to ensure proper deployment of the filter with minimal tilt. If encountered with excessively tilted or embedded filter, one should refrain from excessive manipulation of the filter and consider open filter removal.