How I do it: robotic approach to the vena cava removal of the IVC filter strut extruding through the cava to the right ureter

The gold standard of managing the retrieval of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters has been an endovascular approach with snare techniques. At times, complete removal cannot be performed, and an open surgical approach has been undertaken. Robotic technology allows for an alternative approach to a retained IVC filter retrieval. There are only a few documented cases of this approach in the literature to date, and we present a novel approach utilizing the lower abdominal retroperitoneal approach. We describe the approach, as well as provide some suggestions, which may facilitate both the higher and lower approaches to the IVC utilizing the robotic technique. The purpose is to share our experience in managing the vena cava to support urologists handling pathology related to the venous system, utilizing minimally invasive techniques.