Perspectives in vascular surgery and endovascular therapy
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Perspect Vasc Surg Endovasc Ther · Mar 2007
The bedside insertion of inferior vena cava filters using ultrasound guidance.
Since the introduction of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters more than 30 years ago, there has been a steady improvement in the design, ease, and safety of the delivery systems. Today, all of the commonly used filters can be placed via a peripheral vein by using standard percutaneous Seldinger technique. However, this typically requires fluoroscopy, intravenous contrast agents, radiation exposure, and transport of the patient to the interventional or operating suite. ⋯ Vena caval interruption can be safely performed under ultrasound guidance in a monitored, intensive care unit environment. In selected intensive care unit or multiply injured trauma patients, this will reduce the risk, complexity and cost of transport for these critically ill patients. Duplex-guided IVC filter placement also reduces procedural costs compared to an operating room or interventional suite, and eliminates intravenous contrast material exposure.