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

Inferior vena cava filters are being inserted with increasing frequency. When such patients later require right heart catheterization, brachial or jugular vein access is usually attempted. We describe our experience in 10 consecutive patients using the standard femoral approach, first assessing filter patency and then carefully crossing the filter using a straight guidewire. The right heart chambers were successfully accessed in every case. There were no complications, and in no case did the filter migrate or become dislodged. This technique may prove useful when right heart catheterization is indicated in a patient who has a Greenfield inferior vena cava filter.