Delayed complications of inferior vena cava filters: case report and literature review.

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are frequently placed to prevent pulmonary embolism in patients in whom anticoagulation is contraindicated or ineffective. Delayed erosion of the filter into adjacent vital structures is a rare complication. We report 3 complications of IVC filters managed with both surgical and endovascular therapies. A review of the available literature addresses incidence of delayed IVC filter complications, the approach to these problems, and the role of retrievable IVC filters.