Use of inferior vena cava filters in thromboembolic disease during labor: Case report with a literature review

Abstract

Thromboembolic diseases during pregnancy are usually managed by conventional anticoagulation and patients are at high risk of pulmonary embolism. Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters can be used in cases of documented pulmonary embolism (PE) where anticoagulation is contraindicated or has failed. In our case the patient was diagnosed as having a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and was started on anticoagulant therapy. Twenty four hours afterwards she went into labor and an IVC filter was inserted due to the risk of pulmonary embolism. She was managed successfully during labor and postpartum period. This shows that IVC filters can be used during labor to try and prevent pulmonary emboli.

Keywords:

• Pregnancy
• thromboembolic disease
• use of IVC filter
• labor