ABSTRACT
Acute pulmonary embolism (PE), usually secondary to deep venous thrombosis (DVT), is a serious disease which may cause sudden death. An inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) is placed in certain circumstances to prevent recurrence of PE. However, some complications of IVCF have been reported and the indications of IVCF should be reviewed. We encounted a case of IVCF migration which required surgical removal through right intercostal thoracotomy. The patient was a 53-year-old woman. She had undergone the placement of IVCF for DVT followed by anticoagulant therapy. Eight days after, CT revealed IVCF migrated above renal veins. As percutaneous extraction was attempted unsuccessfully, the direct approach to remove IVCF between the hepatic vein and renal vein was indicated. Through the right side thoracotomy at the seventh intercostal space with the division of costal arch, the inferior vena cava (IVC) was exposed near the right atrium. The diaphragm was longitudinally divided straight to IVC and the liver was retraced anteriorly after the careful dissection of the venous plexus on the back of the liver. IVCF could be palpated and just below the branch of the caudate rami and above the right renal vein. After systemic heparinization, IVC and branches were clamped simply and IVC was incised longitudinally. The proximal tip of the IVCF dug into the intima and the distal hook penetrated the vein. IVCF was carefully removed and incision and penetration of IVC were repaired. Her postoperative course was unremarkable, and the patient was discharged without any complications.