Inferior vena cava filter insertion through the popliteal vein: enabling the percutaneous endovenous intervention of deep vein thrombosis with a single venous approach in a single session

IVC filter insertion In all patients, a popliteal vein approach in the leg with the venous thrombosis was attempted. The ipsilateral popliteal vein puncture was done under ultrasonography guidance, with a micro-puncture set employing a 21-gauge needle (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN, USA), and was followed by the insertion of an 8-Fr angiography introducer sheath (Radifocus; Terumo, Tokyo, Japan). A 5-Fr headhunter type angiographic catheter (Boston Scientific, Natick, MA, USA) was then introduced and passed through the venous segment containing the thrombosis. After the angiographic catheter was entered into the IVC lumen, a double-basket shaped retrievable IVC filter equipped with a 90cm length introducer set (OptEase filter; Cordis, Warren, NJ, USA) was introduced along stiff guide wire (Cook medical, Bloomington, IN, USA) and deployed in the infra-renal IVC under fluoroscopic guidance.