title: Caval penetration by retrievable inferior vena cava filters: a retrospective comparison of Option and Günther Tulip filters.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the frequency of vena caval penetration by the struts of the Option and Günther Tulip cone filters on postplacement computed tomography (CT) imaging.
  
  
  METHODS
  All patients who had an Option or Günther Tulip inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placed between January 2010 and May 2012 were identified retrospectively from medical records. Of the 208 IVC filters placed, the positions of 58 devices (21 Option filters, 37 Günther Tulip filters [GTFs]) were documented on follow-up CT examinations obtained for reasons unrelated to filter placement. In cases when multiple CT studies were obtained after placement, each study was reviewed, for a total of 80 examinations. Images were assessed for evidence of caval wall penetration by filter components, noting the number of penetrating struts and any effect on pericaval tissues.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Penetration of at least one strut was observed in 17% of all filters imaged by CT between 1 and 447 days following placement. Although there was no significant difference in the overall prevalence of penetration when comparing the Option filter and GTF (Option, 10%; GTF, 22%), only GTFs showed time-dependent penetration, with penetration becoming more likely after prolonged indwelling times. No patient had damage to pericaval tissues or documented symptoms attributed to penetration.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although the Günther Tulip and Option filters exhibit caval penetration at CT imaging, only the GTF exhibits progressive penetration over time.
authors: Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Ave., Room 391, Box 0628, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA. dare.olorunsola@ucsf.edu
authors: Olufoladare G
authors: OG
authors: Olorunsola
authors: Maureen P
authors: MP
authors: Kohi
authors: Nicholas
authors: N
authors: Fidelman
authors: Antonio C
authors: AC
authors: Westphalen
authors: Pallav K
authors: PK
authors: Kolli
authors: Andrew G
authors: AG
authors: Taylor
authors: Roy L
authors: RL
authors: Gordon
authors: Jeanne M
authors: JM
authors: LaBerge
authors: Robert K
authors: RK
authors: Kerlan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020878:Device Removal; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010690:Phlebography / Q000379:methods; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D057772:Vascular System Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D016306:Vena Cava Filters / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014682:Vena Cava, Inferior / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D055815:Young Adult