We will provide a brief literature review demonstrating the accuracy and safety of this technique. Adequate imaging of the vena cava is required for the proper insertion of vena cava filters. The "gold standard" for caval imaging is the use of iodinated contrast. Safe for the majority of patients, there is an infrequent risk of severe allergic reactions and a significant risk of acute tubular necrosis and renal failure in patients with underlying renal dysfunction.

An alternative method of cavography is the use of carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas as a contrast agent which has no nephrotoxicity or allergic reactions. This video demonstrates the equipment and preparation for performing CO₂ cavography. The video follows with the setup and performance of CO₂ cavography to evaluate the vena cava prior to the insertion of a vena cava filter in a patient.