Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine if admission abdominal/pelvic CT on trauma patients can be used as a novel method to evaluate the inferior vena cava (IVC) anatomy and facilitate potential IVC filter placement. Consecutive trauma admission CT's were reviewed. The potential landing zone for filters was determined by the IVC mid portion between the renal and iliac veins. The IVC landmarks were described anatomically using the thoracic and lumbar vertebral bodies as reference points. The IVC diameter and anatomic anomalies which would affect filter placement were also evaluated from the CT. The records of 610 Trauma patients were reviewed. There were 518 (84.9%) that had an admission CT, forming the basis of the study. The CT for 500 of 518 (96.5%) was of sufficient quality to accurately evaluate the IVC. The third lumbar location of the IVC was a safe landing zone in 476 of 500 (95.2%). Anatomic anomalies were present in 47 of 500 (9.4%). We had the following three conclusions. The admission CT in over 96% of trauma patients can be used to determine the IVC filter landing zone. The third lumbar region of the IVC was a safe landing zone in over 95%. Anatomical anomalies affecting IVC filter placement were revealed in 9.4%.