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Passing sheaths and electrode catheters through inferior vena cava filters: Safer than we think?
Author(s) -
Kanjwal Yousuf,
John Jerry M.,
Burket Mark W.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
catheterization and cardiovascular interventions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.988
H-Index - 116
eISSN - 1522-726X
pISSN - 1522-1946
DOI - 10.1002/ccd.22171
Subject(s) - medicine , contraindication , venography , inferior vena cava , catheter , surgery , filter (signal processing) , pulmonary embolism , pulmonary embolus , inferior vena cava filter , radiology , thrombosis , computer science , alternative medicine , pathology , computer vision , venous thrombosis
Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are being inserted with increasing frequency for the prevention of pulmonary embolus. Previous case reports have documented the passage of up to three electrode catheters or an individual long sheath through an IVC filter. The current report expands on prior series with regard to the number of devices used. We describe our experience in 10 patients in whom up to five electrode catheters and/or sheaths were placed through an IVC filter using a transfemoral approach under fluoroscopic guidance without routine venography. Devices were successfully introduced and withdrawn in each case without filter dislodgment. Our series illustrates the feasibility and safety of passing multiple electrode catheters and long sheaths through an IVC filter. Evidence is accumulating to suggest that an IVC filter should not be considered an absolute contraindication to performing diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.