Background:

Vena cava filters (VCFs), while useful, are not harmless. Prolonged retention of the filters leads to a number of potential complications, underscoring the importance of removing the filter when anticoagulation is no longer contraindicated.

Objective:

To describe our cases in which the presence of long-term inferior VCF and its present complication were documented, as well as surgery for its removal and clinical follow-up.

Method:

A retrospective review of three cases from 2022 to 2025 was carried out in the medical centers of Chihuahua, Central University Hospital, as well as the Mexican Institute of Social Security.

Results:

Tree patients, with a mean age of 59 years, (66% women) were identified, they suffered from abdominal symptoms and had mean time of the filter of 11 years. They underwent laparotomy and once the VCFs were removed, venotomy primary closure was performed, as well as the repair of the affected organ at penetration, in which two of the three cases presented had duodenal involvement. All stayed under observation for three days in intensive care and were discharged without complications.

Conclusion:

The follow-up of patients with vena cava filters is essential to avoid life-threatening complications.

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