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Postoperative disruption of an internal prong-type caval filter--a case report
T J Donovan1, F H Splittgerber, J Köbberling
1Universität Witten-Herdecke, Klinik für Thorax-, Kardiovaskular- und Gefässchirurgie, Herzzentrum Wuppertal.
Zeitschrift Fur Kardiologie
|July 1, 1995
Summary
A prong-type caval filter fractured and disintegrated in a young woman, necessitating surgical removal. This rare complication, seen in seven prior cases, highlights potential risks of vena cava filter implantation.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Medical Device Complications
- Inferior Vena Cava Filters
Background:
- Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are devices used to prevent pulmonary embolism.
- Prong-type filters are a specific design intended for temporary or permanent implantation.
- Filter fracture and embolization are known, albeit uncommon, complications.
Observation:
- A 21-year-old woman experienced fracture and disintegration of a prong-type caval filter within four months of implantation.
- The fractured filter fragments and the main body were surgically removed.
- The patient's vena cava was subsequently plicated.
Findings:
- This case represents the eighth documented instance of prong-type caval filter failure due to fracture and disintegration.
- The study reviews potential etiologic factors contributing to this mechanical failure.
- Management strategies, including surgical retrieval and vena cava repair, are presented.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of careful patient selection and monitoring for IVC filter placement.
- Further research into filter design and material science may be warranted to improve long-term device integrity.
- Awareness of this rare complication is crucial for vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists.