Inferior vena cava filter migration: updated review and case presentation

Abstract

We report a case of inferior vena cava filter migration to the right ventricle resulting in ventricular tachycardia and elevated troponin. The patient was taken to the cardiac catheterization laboratory and under fluoroscopy the filter was found to be in the right ventricle. Later in the day the filter was removed surgically with the aid of cardiopulmonary bypass. This case, as well as the other 27 reported cases of filter migration, were reviewed. It was noticed that newer retrievable filters made of nitinol, phynox and elgioly have a significantly higher percentage of filter migration into the right ventricle as compared to the old stainless steel and titanium-based Greenfield filters. Similarly, there were also higher percentages of complications and mortality associated with the newer retrievable filters migrating to the right ventricle. Filter migration to the right ventricle as opposed to the right atrium increased over the past 10 years, which has resulted in more serious symptoms, ventricular arrhythmias, deaths and higher rates of surgical removal.