IVC Filter with Clot

With the advent of retrievable caval filters, examination of the filter for entrapped thrombus becomes mandatory prior to filter removal. Removing a filter with entrapped thrombus would put the patient at risk for pulmonary embolus, as the patient is still throwing emboli. The above image is from a cavogram. The image (and enlarged inset) demonstrate just such a thrombus. Note the filling defect at the apex of the filter. The filter was left in place.

 

IVC Filter with Clot