Surgical removal of an inferior vena cava filter with duodenal penetration

Complications due to long-term implantation of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters have increased. Among these, IVC wall penetration by struts can lead to penetration of adjacent structures, which can be fatal to the patient. Herein, we report a case of a 63-year-old woman who underwent surgical removal of an IVC filter with duodenal penetration. Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy findings revealed a strut in the duodenal second portion. The IVC filter was inserted 19months ago but had not been retrieved. On admission, computed tomography showed malposition of the IVC filter with penetration of duodenum by an anterior strut. Therefore, we performed surgical removal of the IVC filter. After surgery, her postoperative course was uneventful.