Assessment of snared-loop technique when standard retrieval of inferior vena cava filters fails.
OBJECTIVE
To identify the success and complications related to a variant technique used to retrieve inferior vena cava filters when simple snare approach has failed.


METHODS
A retrospective review of all Cook Günther Tulip filters and Cook Celect filters retrieved between July 2006 and February 2008 was performed. During this period, 130 filter retrievals were attempted. In 33 cases, the standard retrieval technique failed. Retrieval was subsequently attempted with our modified retrieval technique.


RESULTS
The retrieval was successful in 23 cases (mean dwell time, 171.84 days; range, 5-505 days) and unsuccessful in 10 cases (mean dwell time, 162.2 days; range, 94-360 days). Our filter retrievability rates increased from 74.6% with the standard retrieval method to 92.3% when the snared-loop technique was used. Unsuccessful retrieval was due to significant endothelialization (n = 9) and caval penetration by the filter (n = 1). A single complication occurred in the group, in a patient developing pulmonary emboli after attempted retrieval.


CONCLUSIONS
The technique we describe increased the retrievability of the two filters studied. Hook endothelialization is the main factor resulting in failed retrieval and continues to be a limitation with these filters.
Department of Radiology, The Alfred Hospital, Commercial Road, Melbourne, Australia. orla_doody@hotmail.com
Orla
O
Doody
Geertje
G
Noë
Mark F
MF
Given
Peter T
PT
Foley
Stuart M
SM
Lyon
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020878:Device Removal / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015641:Radiography, Interventional; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016306:Vena Cava Filters