The percutaneous placement of inferior vena cava filters is traditionally carried out in angiosuite or operating room using fluoroscopy and infusion of iodinated contrast for proper positioning of the device. However, for patients hospitalized in intensive care units under poor conditions for transportation, and for patients with impaired renal function, their displacement and the nephrotoxicity of the iodinated contrast agents are frequently matters of concern. Thus, the bedside placement of inferior vena cava filters guided by ultrasound may be a reasonably safe and attractive alternative for these patients.
Inferior vena cava; vena cava filters; venous thrombosis; interventional ultrasonography