A tilted inferior vena cava filter can allow thrombus migration causing worsening pulmonary thromboembolism, highlighting the need for careful placement and advanced thrombectomy.
This case highlights the risk of thrombus migration due to IVC filter tilt and suggests considering advanced catheter-based thrombectomy devices to reduce the need for surgical intervention.
Absolute Event Rate: 0% vs 0%
Abstract Background Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a life-threatening condition requiring prompt and effective treatment. Current treatment options include anticoagulation therapy, catheter-directed therapies, and surgical interventions. While inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are widely used for PTE prophylaxis in high-bleeding-risk patients, their failure mechanisms and optimal alternatives remain understudied, particularly in intermediate–high risk PTE cases where anticoagulation fails. Case summary We present a case of intermediate-to-high-risk PTE in a 61-year-old woman who experienced recurrent embolization despite receiving anticoagulation therapy. Although an IVC filter was deployed to prevent further embolization, a thrombus from the superficial femoral vein migrated through the tilted IVC filter, and surgical thrombectomy was performed. Discussion This case emphasizes the need for careful IVC filter placement to prevent tilt-related complications and supports the adoption of advanced catheter-based thrombectomy devices to enhance the efficacy of PTE treatment and reduce the need for surgical intervention.
Kaneki et al. (Wed,) reported a other. A tilted inferior vena cava filter can allow thrombus migration causing worsening pulmonary thromboembolism, highlighting the need for careful placement and advanced thrombectomy.