Retrievable celect™ filter placement in the superior vena cava: A case report.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Venous thromboembolism is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. Upper Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis (UEDVT) may be a cause of pulmonary embolism. Anticoagulation is the treatment of choice for venous thromboembolism, which is associated with low hemorrhagic complications. However, there are situations that anticoagulation becomes contraindicated as gastrointestinal tract hemorrhages, stroke, progression of deep venous thrombosis in the presence of adequate anticoagulation, where the vena cava filter is recommended. CASE REPORT Patient 65 years old, female undergoing neurosurgical treatment of a mass suggestive of schwannoma with asymmetrical edema in the right upper limb, confirming the acute deep venous thrombosis by Doppler ultrassonogarphy. Anticoagulation was contraindicated by neurosurgery and after a multidisciplinary discussion, the superior vena cava filter was chosen. DISCUSSION: The Retrievable Celect™ Filter was implant in superior vena cava and may be considered as an alternative therapeutic method in cases where anticoagulation can not be performed. CONCLUSION: Superior vena cava filter is controversial, but is safe, feasible and effective, in preventing symptomatic pulmonary embolisms in patients in whom anticoagulation is contraindicated.