Retrieval of a Greenfield Inferior Vena Cava Filter Indwelling for 29 Years

Dipesh M Patel; John F Di Capua Jr; Mohammad Reza Rouhezamin; Raul N Uppot; Sanjeeva P Kalva

doi:10.1177/15385744241231134

Retrieval of a Greenfield Inferior Vena Cava Filter Indwelling for 29 Years

Vasc Endovascular Surg. 2024 Jan 27:15385744241231134. doi: 10.1177/15385744241231134. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Dipesh M Patel¹, John F Di Capua Jr¹, Mohammad Reza Rouhezamin¹, Raul N Uppot¹, Sanjeeva P Kalva¹

Affiliation

¹ Division of Interventional Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.

PMID: 38279905
DOI: 10.1177/15385744241231134

Abstract

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are used to prevent fatal and nonfatal pulmonary embolism in patients who otherwise cannot receive anticoagulation for venous thrombosis. While generally safe and effective, complications can arise, especially after prolonged implantation. Timely retrieval is essential once the indication for insertion has resolved. However, encountering patients with long-standing embedded filters is not uncommon. This case report discusses the successful retrieval of a permanent Greenfield IVC filter after 29 years.

Keywords: Greenfield; hangman; inferior vena cava filter; laser; retrieval.