Retrieval of the recovery filter after arm perforation, fracture, and migration to the right ventricle

J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2008 Jul;19(7):1107-11. doi: 10.1016/j.jvir.2008.03.011. Epub 2008 May 2.

Abstract

The authors report a case of inferior vena cava filter arm perforation, followed by fracture and migration to the right ventricle causing chest pain and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia. Review of abdominal computed tomographic (CT) scans show the two filter arms that fractured and migrated had perforated the vena cava 2 years previously. Microscopic evaluation of the retrieved filter and limbs revealed bending metal fatigue at the fracture sites. This case and review of the literature suggest a causal relation between Bard Recovery filter arm perforation and subsequent fracture and migration. Percutaneous retrieval of filters with arm fracture or arm migration is recommended.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chest Pain / etiology
  • Device Removal
  • Female
  • Foreign-Body Migration / diagnostic imaging
  • Foreign-Body Migration / etiology*
  • Foreign-Body Migration / surgery
  • Heart Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Diseases / etiology*
  • Heart Diseases / surgery
  • Heart Ventricles / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Prosthesis Failure*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / etiology
  • Pulmonary Embolism / prevention & control*
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / etiology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vena Cava Filters / adverse effects*
  • Venous Thrombosis / complications
  • Venous Thrombosis / therapy*