Open AccessInferior Vena Cava Filter Fracture and Migration: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Author(s) -
Kylie Lepic Md Frcpc,
Jeffrey S. Ginsberg Md Frcpc,
Sonia S. Anand,
Ameen Patel Mb Frcpc
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
canadian journal of general internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2369-1778
pISSN - 1911-1606
DOI - 10.22374/cjgim.v11i3.151
Subject(s) - medicine , contraindication , inferior vena cava , inferior vena cava filter , surgery , thrombosis , forceps , complication , radiology , venous thrombosis , pulmonary embolism , alternative medicine , pathology
Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are an option for the prevention of pulmonary emboli in patients who have venous thrombosis and a contraindication to anticoagulation, but their placement is not without risk. We describe a case of a patient with a Gunther-Tulip IVC filter that fractured and migrated to the left distal pulmonary artery. The leg was removed using bronchoscopy forceps and a French sheath without complication. Fracture and migration of IVC filters is rare with only a few case reports in the literature. It is important to consider given the potential for significant morbidity and mortality.