RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Expectoration of an inferior vena cava filter strut JF BMJ Case Reports FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd SP bcr2016218159 DO 10.1136/bcr-2016-218159 VO 2016 A1 Stephen Mehanni A1 Meghan Higley A1 Ryan C Schenning YR 2016 UL http://casereports.bmj.com/content/2016/bcr-2016-218159.abstract AB Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter use is widespread in patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) and temporary contraindication to anticoagulation, though timely removal is often not performed. We report the case of an expectoration of an IVC filter strut. Review of the patient's prior imaging confirmed an infrarenal Bard G2 filter with an absent strut, which was visualised in the left lung base. The strut was presumed to have embolised to a pulmonary artery branch and eroded into an adjacent bronchus. Subsequent fluoroscopically guided filter retrieval was successful. The incidence of IVC filter fractures increases with longer dwell times. Filter fragment embolisation has resulted in major adverse events, including sudden death and cardiac tamponade. Recent evidence has suggested that retrieval of IVC filters with prolonged dwell times is feasible and safe. This report brings awareness to the range of complications with indwelling IVC filters, and highlights the importance of timely removal.