Embedded inferior vena cava filter removal: use of endobronchial forceps.
OBJECTIVE
Removing a retrievable inferior vena cava (IVC) filter can be extremely difficult with the use of standard techniques if the filter is tilted and embedded in the wall of the IVC. The use of rigid endobronchial forceps has been described in case reports to remove embedded IVC filters, and the present report describes the use of this technique to remove a series of tip-embedded IVC filters in two separate institutions.


METHODS
The medical records were reviewed of 21 consecutive patients at two institutions who underwent attempted IVC filter removal with rigid endobronchial forceps over a 34-month period. The mean age of patients was 32.4 years (range, 14.1-54.1 y). The patients had the following filters: Recovery (n = 6), G2 (n = 10), Günther Tulip (n = 4), and OptEase (n = 1).


RESULTS
Rotational or biplane venography was used to confirm that the filters were tilted and embedded in the wall of the IVC in all 21 patients. Rigid endobronchial forceps were used successfully to remove 20 embedded IVC filters in 21 patients. There was one case of failure to remove an embedded suprarenal G2 filter. There were no major complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Rigid endobronchial forceps may be used as a reliable option for removal of embedded IVC filters.
Stavropoulos
S William
SW
Department of Radiology, Division of Interventional Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 1 Silverstein, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. stav@uphs.upenn.edu
Dixon
Robert G
RG
Burke
Charles T
CT
Stavas
Joseph M
JM
Shah
Anand
A
Shlansky-Goldberg
Richard D
RD
Trerotola
Scott O
SO
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001980:Bronchi / Q000601:surgery*; D020878:Device Removal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D014682:Vena Cava, Inferior