Transpopliteal removal of an OptEase inferior vena cava filter after treatment of symptomatic filter thrombosis.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a case of transpopliteal retrieval of an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter.


METHODS
A paraplegic patient had an IVC filter placed for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) after anticoagulant therapy was stopped. Two weeks later, he developed massive scrotal and bilateral lower extremity swelling due to iliocaval thrombosis, which was treated by power pulse-spray thrombectomy and catheter-directed thrombolytic infusion via bilateral popliteal approaches. Following successful thrombus removal, the filter was uniquely retrieved via the right popliteal access; the patient was discharged on warfarin anticoagulation.


CONCLUSIONS
Transpopliteal IVC filter retrieval is feasible and may be a useful alternative technique in selected instances.
Stecker
Michael S
MS
Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA. mstecker@partners.org
Chahin
Chadi
C
D000368:Aged; D020878:Device Removal / Q000379:methods*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D007084:Iliac Vein / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography; D008297:Male; D011150:Popliteal Artery / Q000601:surgery*; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D017131:Thrombectomy / Q000379:methods*; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy; D016306:Vena Cava Filters / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014682:Vena Cava, Inferior / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*