The successful removal of two retrievable inferior vena cava (IVC) filters after 67 days in a patient with a double IVC

Abstract

We herein present a case in which two retrievable inferior vena cava (IVC) filters, which were implanted to treat deep-vein thrombosis caused by the compression of a double IVC, were successfully removed on the 67th day after placement. The filters were individually placed in both the left and right IVCs. With a prevalence of only 0.2%, a double IVC is an extremely rare anatomical variation. The long-term effects of IVC filters are unknown, and the placement of a filter potentially introduces the risk of complications. Thus, if the patient’s clinical condition allows, the endovascular retrieval of the filter should be considered within a few months after implantation.