Background: In recent years, retrievable inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) have been increasingly used to prevent pulmonary embolism. However, these IVCFs are occasionally difficult to retrieve, and their long-term retention in the body can cause various complications.
Methods: A 22-year-old woman underwent a prophylactic IVCF placement for puerperal deep venous thrombosis 6 months ago. After several attempts, the filter could not be retrieved through the endovascular technique. Meanwhile, the patient developed severe depression and suicidal tendencies. We decided to use laparoscopic techniques to retrieve the filter.
Results: We successfully used laparoscopy to completely remove a difficult IVCF. The patient had a smooth postoperative recovery and was discharged on the third postoperative day.
Conclusions: Laparoscopy can be used as an alternative method to remove IVCF. However, it is more important to avoid situations that prevent routine retrieval of IVCFs.
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