This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Uppal, B. Articles by Benjamin, M. E. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Uppal, B. Articles by Benjamin, M. E. Social Bookmarking                   What's this?

The Bedside Insertion of Inferior Vena Cava Filters Using Ultrasound Guidance

Division of Vascular Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland

William R. Flinn, MD

Division of Vascular Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland

Marshall E. Benjamin, MD

Division of Vascular Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, mbenj{at}earthlink.net.

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. In the multiply injured trauma or critically-ill intensive care unit patient, often requiring inotropic and ventilator support, transport to these facilities can be hazardous. In addition, these patients frequently have a combination of neurospinal and long bone injuries, which require skeletal immobilization, thus further complicating transportation. Advancing technology with portable duplex ultrasound and improved deep abdominal duplex imaging has allowed for routine diagnostic evaluation of the IVC, renal veins, and surrounding visceral structures. This degree of accuracy has allowed numerous centers to gain experience with ultrasonic imaging of the IVC and insertion site after a filter has been placed. A logical progression has evolved to the point in which, today, duplex ultrasound can be used to guide the insertion of IVC filters.

The following describes, in detail, a technique for the percutaneous placement of an IVC filter at the bedside using only duplex ultrasound guidance. The article also briefly compares and contrasts this technique with an alternate technique using intravascular ultrasound. 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.

Key Words: vena cava filters • ultrasonography • duplex

CiteULike    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    What's this?