The use of inferior vena cava filters in young children.

The present report describes the authors' experience with the placement and retrieval of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters in children with a maximum IVC diameter of 1 cm. Over a 14-month period, three filters were placed in three children. Two filters were placed via the right internal jugular vein, with one placed via the right femoral vein. The filters were deployed successfully in all three children and retrieved in two. In one case, the child was receiving palliative care and removal was not attempted. No complications were encountered during placement, the period of implantation, or retrieval.