To report the sequential placement of inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) and peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) using the same upper extremity venous access.

This is a retrospective study that reviewed the medical records of 379 consecutive patients who underwent IVCF insertion during a 39-month period at our center. Of these 379 patients, 28 patients had sequential insertion of an IVCF and a PICC through the same upper extremity venous access. The same vein entry site was used for placement of the IVCF followed by PICC insertion. Data collected included: indication and duration of IVCF and PICC placement, access site location, complications, and the type of IVCF.

IVCFs were placed for prophylactic purposes in 15 patients (53.6%) and therapeutic purposes in 13 patients (46.4%). Right upper extremity veins were used for venous access in 27 patients (96.4%): brachial (n=16), basilic (n=9), and cephalic (n=2). The left basilic vein was used in one patient (3.6%). IVCFs were temporary in 20 patients (71.4%) and permanent in 8 patients (28.6%). There were no procedural complications. The OptEase filter was used in 23 patients (82.1%) and the TrapEase filter was used in 5 patients (17.9%).

Simultaneous IVCF and PICC insertion using the same upper extremity venous access was feasible and safe in our series. This combined technique provides the patient with central venous access for repeated blood collections and intravenous therapy.