Perforation of inferior vena cava during filter placement.

The placement of an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter is a therapeutic method for selected patients with deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. However, insertion and placement of the filter may be associated with certain complications. For instance, retroperitoneal hematoma resulting from perforation of the wall by the filter is such a very rare but serious complication. We report the case of a 64-year-old woman with perforation of the IVC wall and consecutive hematoma caused by the filter who was treated surgically.