Placement of a vena cava filter with an antecubital approach

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The authors performed this study to evaluate the use of an antecubital venous approach for inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An IVC filter was placed in 26 patients (15 men, 11 women) in whom the antecubital vein was the preferred access site. An antecubital vein was accessed with ultrasound guidance and used for IVC filter placement. This same access site was used to place a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) in 17 of the 26 patients. Access was obtained via the basilic vein in 15 patients (58%), brachial vein in eight (31%), and cephalic vein in three (12%). RESULTS: The IVC filter was successfully placed in the infrarenal vena cava in all 26 patients (100%) by using an antecubital vein for access. All filters deployed appropriately without complication. No complications occurred during PICC placement. CONCLUSION: The IVC filter can be safely placed via an antecubital vein. When clinically necessary, this site can provide convenient access for the PICC placement.