Vena cava filter ensnarement and delayed migration: An unusual series of cases

Purpose: To review delayed and guidewire-induced morbidity associated with vena cava filters. Methods: The records from the Johns Hopkins Hospital, a tertiary care referral center, of all patients who had vena cava filter complications from August 1993 through July 1996 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Five patients had filter migration or ensnarement with a guidewire. One patient had delayed extrusion of a filter strut into the duodenum. Four patients had filters ensnared by guidewires, including one during initial filter placement and one several years after placement. Conclusions: Delayed complications of vena cava filters should be considered whenever unusual patient signs or symptoms cannot be easily explained, even in the absence of a history of filter placement. To prevent guidewire ensnarement of filters, simple techniques should modify endovascular procedures when vena cava filters are present.