Proximal migration of vena cava filters: report of two cases with operative retrieval.

Operative retrieval of two proximally migrated vena caval filters was performed in two patients, ages 42 and 45 years, respectively. In the first patient the filter was encrusted in the right ventricle, and in the second one the filter was found in the pulmonary artery. Both filters were retrieved under cardiopulmonary bypass via an incision in the right atrium and the pulmonary artery, respectively. These two observations underscore the risk of increased unwarranted indications and consequent higher complication rates of vena caval filters.