A Computational Method for Predicting Inferior Vena Cava Filter Performance on a Patient Specific Basis

Abstract

A computational methodology for simulating virtual inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement and IVC hemodynamics was developed and demonstrated in two patientspecific IVC geometries: a leftsided IVC and an IVC with a retroaortic left renal vein. An inverse analysis was performed to obtain the approximate in vivo stress state for each patient vein using nonlinear finite element analysis (FEA). Contact modeling was then used to simulate IVC filter placement. Contact area, contact normal force, and maximum vein displacements were higher in the retroaortic IVC than in the leftsided IVC (144 mm2, 0.47 N, and 1.49 mm versus 68 mm2, 0.22 N, and 1.01 mm, respectively). Hemodynamics were simulated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), with four cases for each patientspecific vein: (1) IVC only, (2) IVC with a placed filter, (3) IVC with a placed filter and model embolus, all at resting flow conditions, and (4) IVC with a placed filter and model embolus at exercise flow conditions. Significant hemodynamic differences were observed between the two patient IVCs, with the development of a rightsided jet, larger flow recirculation regions, and lower maximum flow velocities in the leftsided IVC. These results support further investigation of IVC filter placement and hemodynamics on a patientspecific basis.