Percutaneous Retrieval of Permanent Inferior Vena Cava Filters.
PURPOSE
To evaluate the feasibility, risks, and techniques of percutaneous removal of permanent TrapEase and Simon Nitinol IVC filters.


MATERIALS AND METHODS
Between August 2011 and August 2015, 12 patients (5 women, 7 men; age range, 26-75 years) underwent an attempt at percutaneous removal of permanent TrapEase (10) and Simon Nitinol (2) IVC filters due to a history of IVC filter complications or need for lifelong anticoagulation due to the filter. Medical records were reviewed for filter dwell time, presence of iliocaval deep venous thrombosis, procedural technique, and complications.


RESULTS
Filter dwell times ranged from 7 days to 15 years (mean 5.1 years). Successful removal of permanent IVC filters was possible in 11 of 12 patients (91.6%). In 1 patient, a chronically thrombosed IVC filter could not be removed despite laser sheath assistance, but was successfully recanalized with the PowerWire RF guidewire. In the failed retrieval attempt, a stent was placed through the chronically thrombosed IVC filter with restoration of in-line flow. One major complication of large venous groin hematoma was encountered.


CONCLUSIONS
In carefully selected patients, percutaneous removal of permanent IVC filters can be performed safely despite prolonged filter dwell times. Extraction of chronically embedded permanent IVC filters may be facilitated by jugular and femoral approaches, often with laser sheath assistance. Chronic filter thrombosis and caval scarring may increase the risk of retrieval failure.
['Tamrazi|Anobel|A|', 'Wadhwa|Vibhor|V|', 'Holly|Brian|B|', 'Bhagat|Nikhil|N|', 'Marx|Jonathan K|JK|', 'Streiff|Michael|M|', 'Lessne|Mark L|ML|']
D000328:Adult D000368:Aged D020878:Device Removal D005260:Female D006801:Humans D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D016306:Vena Cava Filters D014682:Vena Cava, Inferior D054556:Venous Thromboembolism
Inferior vena cava TrapEase Simon Nitinol IVC filter