Chronic Inferior Vena Cava Filter Thrombosis: Endovascular Treatment and One-Year Follow-Up with Intravascular Ultrasonography

Abstract

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter thrombosis can be fatal when it is not detected and treated. Its management can be challenging, because little evidence supports specific treatments. We present the case of a 72-year-old man with a history of deep vein thrombosis in whom IVC filter thrombosis developed 7 years after filter placement. Recanalization with oral anticoagulation had failed. Using intravascular ultrasonography, we performed pharmacomechanical thrombolysis, deploying 2 stents simultaneously through the IVC filter and then 2 more into the iliac veins, with excellent results. One year later, the patient's veins and IVC filter were patent, his symptoms were greatly improved, and only nonobstructive neointimal hyperplasia was seen. This case highlights the usefulness of balloon venoplasty and double-barrel stent placement in restoring blood flow through an occluded IVC, and the value of intravascular ultrasonography during and after such procedures.