title: Retrieval rates of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters: are we retrieving enough?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to document retrieval rates of IVC filters in a single tertiary centre, before and after implementation of an IVC filter pathway, and to identify factors that may affect retrieval rates.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a two phase study. In Phase 1, rates of IVC filter retrieval were collected retrospectively from June 2010 to June 2012. During Phase 2 an IVC filter pathway was developed and prospective data was collected from July 2012 to June 2014. Univariate analysis and Kaplan-Meier estimates were performed to determine the rate of IVC filter retrieval and to analyse factors contributing to retrieval rates.
  
  
  RESULTS
  95 patients (39 Phase 1; 56 Phase 2) had an IVC filter inserted over a 4 year period. In Phase 1, of those eligible to have their filter removed, the 12-month retrieval rate was 63%, this improved to 100% in Phase 2. Following implementation of the IVC filter pathway (Phase 2) no patients were lost to follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We have improved the rate of IVC filter retrieval in our institution by development of an IVC filter pathway. Rates of optional IVC filter retrieval in our experience are now higher than previously published figures.
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Davies
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Stanley
authors.forename: Janaka
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wickremesekera
authors.affiliation: Vascular Surgery Trainee, Department of Vascular Surgery, Wellington Regional Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand. manar.khashram@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Manar
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Khashram
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019091:Critical Pathways; D020878:Device Removal / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000517:prevention & control; D016306:Vena Cava Filters / Q000706:statistics & numerical data