title: Successful cases of difficult inferior vena cava filter retrieval with the use of biopsy forceps: Biopsy forceps technique.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  For treatment and prevention of deep vein thrombosis(DVT) and pulmonary embolism(PE), retrievable inferior vena cava(IVC) filters have commonly been used as an effective bridge to anticoagulation. However, we experienced unexpected difficulty in endovascular retrieval of some IVC filters. Most problems were due to endovascular treatment devices issues, filter intimal migration, filter disintegration, filter-associated thrombosis, and right atrium/ventricle migration.
  
  
  METHODS
  Disposable biopsy forceps was used to engage the filter hook and reform the shape of the filter struts. Endovascular retrieval assisted by use of the biopsy forceps via a similar vein was effective and provided a less-invasive, low cost method for removal of problematic IVC filters.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We described easily performed methods that uses disposable biopsy forceps for the retrieval of IVC filters that are difficult to remove because of filter hook migration into the caval wall.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We developed an easily performed method that uses intestine biopsy forceps for the retrieval of IVC filter that are difficult to remove.
authors.affiliation: Department of Vascular Surgery, Tokoname Municipal Hospital, Aichi, Japan.
authors.forename: Masaya
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nakashima
authors.affiliation: Department of Vascular Surgery, Tokoname Municipal Hospital, Aichi, Japan.
authors.forename: Hideaki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kobayashi
authors.affiliation: Department of Vascular Surgery, Tokoname Municipal Hospital, Aichi, Japan.
authors.forename: Yasushi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Takenouchi
authors.affiliation: Department of Vascular Surgery, Tokoname Municipal Hospital, Aichi, Japan.
authors.forename: Takashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Nakayama
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan.
authors.forename: Masayoshi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kobayashi
keywords: Inferior vena cava filter; biopsy forceps; retrievability