Assessment of apparent vena caval penetration by the Greenfield filter.

PURPOSE: To examine and elucidate the mechanisms for apparent "penetration" by Greenfield vena caval filters.

METHODS: Two filters were placed in the inferior venae cavae (IVC) of four immature sheep and followed with cavography for 1 year. Two animals underwent computed tomography (CT) and laparoscopic examination. At necropsy, the vena cava and adjacent structures of all four animals were examined grossly and histologically.

RESULTS: Based upon cavography and CT imaging, all filters appeared to penetrate the vena cava at 12 months. However, at laparoscopy, no hooks or limbs were exposed, and the pericaval tissues remained intact; each hook or limb was within the adventitia or encapsulated in scar tissue. Histology of the tissue at the hook sites revealed remodeling of the intimal surface of the IVC and thinning of the adventitia.

CONCLUSIONS: Based upon these data, we hypothesize that the vena cava gradually adapts by medial and adventitial thinning and myointimal remodeling to the radial force exerted by a filter. This process allows increase in the filter base diameter while maintaining the integrity of the cava and protecting adjacent structures.