Right heart catheterization in the presence of an inferior vena cava filter

Inferior vena cava filters are being inserted with increasing frequency. Wh en such patients later require right heart catheterization, brachial or jug ular vein access is usually attempted. We describe our experience in 10 con secutive patients using the standard femoral approach, first assessing filt er patency and then carefully crossing the filter using a straight guidewir e. The right heart chambers were successfully accessed in every case. There were no complications, and in no case did the filter migrate or become dis lodged. This technique may prove useful when right heart catheterization is indicated in a patient who has a Greenfield inferior vena cava filter. 200 1 Wiley-Liss, Inc.