Observations on failed retrieval of optional inferior vena cava filters

David H Ballard; Daniel V Do; Jeremy J Laborde; Miguel A de Gregorio; Runhua Shi; Horacio B D'Agostino

doi:10.1016/j.clinimag.2016.04.011

Observations on failed retrieval of optional inferior vena cava filters

Clin Imaging. 2016 Sep-Oct;40(5):931-5. doi: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2016.04.011. Epub 2016 Apr 26.

Authors

David H Ballard¹, Daniel V Do², Jeremy J Laborde², Miguel A de Gregorio³, Runhua Shi⁴, Horacio B D'Agostino⁵

Affiliations

¹ Department of Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA. Electronic address: davidballardmd@gmail.com.
² Department of Radiology, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA.
³ Department of Interventional Radiology, University of Zaragoza, Gomez Laguna, 13, 5 B, 50009 Saragossa, Spain.
⁴ Department of Medicine and Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, LSU Health Shreveport, 1501 Kings Hwy, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA.
⁵ Department of Radiology, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA. Electronic address: hdagos@lsuhsc.edu.

PMID: 27196734
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2016.04.011

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate causes of failed optional inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) retrievals.

Methods: Single-center retrospective study.

Results: IVCF retrievals were attempted in 26/211 (12%) patients at a mean 42.9 days. There were 9 failures (all OptEase) due to: inability to snare the hook (n=5), noncollapsible IVCF (n=3), and unusual procedural pain (n=1). Median duration of retrieved IVCFs was 31 days compared to 53 days for failures (P<.05). IVCFs aligned with the IVC's cephalocaudal axis were retrieved in 13/16 cases, while misaligned IVCFs were retrieved 4/10 cases (P<.05).

Conclusion: Filter duration and misalignment were significantly associated with retrieval failures.

Keywords: IVC filter retrieval; IVC filters; Inferior vena cava filter; Inferior vena cava filter retrieval.

MeSH terms

Endovascular Procedures / statistics & numerical data*
Female
Hospitals, University
Humans
Louisiana / epidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Embolism / diagnostic imaging
Pulmonary Embolism / prevention & control*
Retrospective Studies
Treatment Failure
Ultrasonography, Interventional / statistics & numerical data
Vena Cava Filters*