IVC Filter Complications
IVC filters are inserted either through a vein in the leg or the jugular vein and ultimately inserted into a vein known as the vena cava, which returns blood from the body to the heart. Some IVC filter complications include the following:
IVC filter insertion complications:
Although this insertion process itself usually goes smoothly, there are a few potential complications.
Collapsed Lung – a collapsed lung can some times occur when inserting the IVC filter into the jugular vein.
Hemorrhage – a hemorrhage can occur when blood escapes from the blood vessel uncontrollably.
Vessel injury – damage to the vessel itself can sometimes occur from the insertion needle.
IVC filter placement complications:
After insertion of the IVC filter into the inferior vena cava, there can be complications with the filter placement.
Misplacement – misplacement is when the IVC filter is placed incorrectly into the inferior vena cava
Excessive tilt – excessive tilt is when the IVC filter itself tilts to one side, sometimes puncturing the wall of the vein
Vascular damage – the IVC filter can damage the wall of the vein, which can be life threatening.
Long-Term IVC filter complications:
IVC filter migration – Migration occurs when the filter is not placed properly and fails to attach to the walls of the vena cava
Recurrent pulmonary embolism – Recurrent pulmonary embolism occurs when the filter is ineffective
Caval occlusion – Caval occlusion occurs when the filter causes the vena cava to collapse, preventing blood from returning to the heart. This is a life-threatening emergency that causes dangerously high blood pressure.
IVC filter perforation
IVC filter fracture – Filter fracture occurs when the metal pieces of the IVC filter break apart, causing severe or life threatening injuries.
Lower limb deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Filter Embolization
