Günther Tulip filter retrievability multicenter study including CT follow-up: final report.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of retrieval of the Günther Tulip inferior vena cava (IVC) filter.


METHODS
This was a nonrandomized, single-armed, multicenter prospective investigation. Patients at temporary high risk for pulmonary embolism (PE) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) who did not require a permanent filter were eligible. Forty-one patients received 42 Günther Tulip filters: 22 men and 19 women with a mean age of 47.7 years. Indications for filter placement included prophylaxis, PE, and DVT. Three months after filter retrieval, contrast agent-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen, jugular vein ultrasonography, and clinical follow-up were performed.


RESULTS
The filter retrieval rate was 57% (23 of 41). Günther Tulip filters were removed at a mean of 11.1 days (range, 2-14 d). The technical and clinical success rates for filter retrieval were both 100%. One placement complication and two protocol deviations occurred. These patients were excluded in terms of retrieval-related outcomes. One case of PE occurred with a filter in place, and one filter migrated to the heart. There were no acute complications caused by filter retrieval. At 3-month follow-up, there was no recurrent PE, DVT, jugular vein occlusion, or IVC stenosis or occlusion.


CONCLUSIONS
In this multicenter study, retrieval of the Günther Tulip filter was safe and without recurrent thromboembolic events or evidence of IVC or jugular vein damage at 3-month follow-up.
Hoppe
Hanno
H
Dotter Interventional Institute, Oregon Health Science University, Portland 97239-3098, USA.
Nutting
Charles W
CW
Smouse
H Robert
HR
Vesely
Thomas M
TM
Pohl
Christoph
C
Bettmann
Michael A
MA
Kaufman
John A
JA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003287:Contrast Media; D020878:Device Removal; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007601:Jugular Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015641:Radiography, Interventional; D012307:Risk Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography; D016306:Vena Cava Filters; D014682:Vena Cava, Inferior / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000517:prevention & control*
D003287:Contrast Media