The role of an IVC filter retrieval clinic—A single center retrospective analysis

Figure 1 (A-C). (A) Standard loop snare technique for IVC filter retrieval. Venogram through the sheath in the IVC (white arrow) showing a patent IVC (star) with a centrally located filter (black arrow) and no evidence of thrombus within it. (B) Standard loop snare technique for IVC filter retrieval. The snare has engaged the filter hook (white arrow). (C) Standard loop snare technique for IVC filter retrieval. The filter with the hook engaged is enclosed within the sheath (white arrow) and subsequently retracted outside the body

Figure 2 (A and B). (A) Loop snare and wire technique. A wire loop (white arrow) is formed passing the glide wire below the filter apex using a reverse curve catheter and a snare. (B) Loop snare and wire technique. Once the loop passes below the apex and the wire is externalized, gentle traction is applied while advancing the sheath (white arrow) over the filter

Figure 3. Venogram showing a markedly tilted Option filter (white arrow). One of the legs has been deformed (black arrow) from a previous attempt at retrieval using the loop snare and wire technique. Despite penetration of the vessel wall by one of the filter's legs, there were no complications associated with removal

Figure 4 (A-D). (A) Hangman technique. A spot radiograph shows the off centered filter (black dotted lines) relative to the sheath (white dotted line). (B) Hangman technique. A reverse curve catheter was placed adjacent to the filter with the leading end at the level of the filter neck (black arrow), and an angled 0.035-inch Glide wire (black arrowhead) was directed between the filter neck and IVC wall. (C) Hangman technique. The leading end of the wire was snared and withdrawn through the sheath creating a loop through between the filter hook and the IVC wall (solid black arrow). A cranially directed tug was applied (dashed white arrow). (D) Hangman technique. The embedded hook was released thus centering the filter (white arrow) which allowed for subsequent retrieval using the standard snare technique

Figure 5. Pie chart showing filter retrieval rate

Figure 6. Histogram showing reasons for non-retrieval of filters. The majority was due to hospice admission or passing away before retrieval

Figure 7. Breakdown of IVC filter placement and retrieval during the study