Korean J Radiol.  2011 Feb;12(1):140-143. 10.3348/kjr.2011.12.1.140.

Retrograde Tempofilter II(TM) Placement within the Superior Vena Cava in a Patient with Acute Upper Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis: the Filter Stands on Its Head

• Yim NY
• Chang NK
• Lim JH
• Kim JK

• KMID: 991693
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/kjr.2011.12.1.140

Abstract

The Tempofilter II is a widely used temporary vena cava filter. Its unique design, which includes a long tethering catheter with a subcutaneous anchor, facilitates the deployment and retrieval of the device. Despite this, the Tempofilter II has been used only in the inferior vena cava of patients with lower extremity deep venous thrombosis. In this article, we present a case of superior vena cava filtering using the Tempofilter II in patients with upper extremity deep venous thrombosis.

Keyword

Embolism, pulmonary; Veins, extremities; Veins, thrombosis; Vena cavae, filter; Vena cavae, interventional procedure

MeSH Terms

Aged
Female
Humans
Pulmonary Embolism/radiography
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Upper Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis/radiography/*therapy
*Vena Cava Filters
*Vena Cava, Superior

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Retrograde tempofilter placement within superior vena cava in 67-year-old woman. A. Contrast enhanced CT shows thrombus in right pulmonary artery (arrow). B. CT scan performed at aortic arch level shows thrombotic total occlusion of left brachiocephalic vein (arrows). Note presence of scanty collateral veins around left back area (arrowheads) and bilateral pleural effusions. These findings imply hemothorax after traffic accident. C. Left upper extremity venogram shows total occlusion and non-opacification of left axillary and brachiocephalic veins. There is also reflux flow at left internal jugular vein (arrows). Note presence of small, collateral vein development. D, E. Radiograms show temporary filter placement in superior vena cava. Tethered catheter has caudal direction, and radiopaque subcutaneous anchor is located around right inguinal area. Note filter struts without hooks. F. Left upper extremity venogram after mechanical thrombectomy on left brachiocephalic vein shows no residual thrombotic occlusion and abnormal collateral veins.

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