Long-Term Clinical Outcomes of Complicated Retrievable Inferior Vena Cava Filter for Deep Venous Thrombosis Patients: Safety and Effectiveness

Rigid forceps and excimer laser use for complex inferior cava filter retrieval: a preliminary quantitative analysis of available evidence

Purpose

The present study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of advanced inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) retrieval using laser assistance compared with forceps via systematic review and quantitative aggregation of available data.

Methods

Pubmed and Embase were queried from establishment to September 2021. Original studies with a sample size ≥ 5 that reported at least one primary outcome of patients who underwent laser- or forceps-assisted IVCF retrieval were included. Primary outcomes included technical success and complication rates. Baseline characteristics were extracted: age, sex, presence of filter thrombus, strut penetration, previous retrieval attempt, filter dwell time, fluoroscopy time, and filter type. Complications were categorized by type and severity. Categorical data was pooled and evaluated with chi-square or Fisher exact tests.

Results

From the 16 included studies, a total of 673 and 368 patients underwent laser- and forceps-assisted IVCF retrieval, respectively. Successful retrieval was achieved in 98.1 and 93.7% patients from the laser and forceps groups, respectively (p < 0.001). Major complication rates (1.6 vs 2.1%, p = 0.629) and risk of injury to cava or adjacent organs (1.0 vs 1.4%, p = 0.534) were similar between the two groups. A higher proportion of filters from the laser arm were closed-cell design (75.4 vs 68.1%, p = 0.020).

Conclusion

Based on limited available evidence, forceps- and laser-assisted complex IVCF retrievals were equally safe. The use of laser sheath is associated with a higher retrieval rate than forceps alone, though the baseline characteristics of two cohorts were not controlled. Future large-scale case-controlled comparative studies with longer clinical follow-up are warranted.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s42155-022-00311-4.

Safety and efficacy of inferior vena cava filter retrieval: a 5-year single center retrospective review from a tertiary care center

Background

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter retrieval is typically accomplished with standard snare technique. When this fails, more advanced techniques are necessary, especially when removal falls outside a 12-month window. Complications during filter retrieval depend heavily on technique, type of filter, and filter position. In this study we examined safety and efficacy of 536 filter retrievals at a tertiary care center and compared complication rates between standard snare and endobronchial forcep retrieval.

Method

We reviewed 536 cases between August 2015 and August 2020, recording retrieval success rates, patient comorbidities, and complication rates at the time of removal.

Results

Total overall retrieval success was 97.9% (525/536), and complications occurred in approximately 6.0% (32/536) of all cases. Success and complications with standard snare technique alone were 99.4% (345/347) and 1.7% (5 Grade I/II, 1 Grade III) and advanced forcep technique 98.8% (171/173) and 14.5% (22 Grade I/II, 2 Grade III, and 1 Grade IV), respectively. There was no significant difference between the technical success rates of the standard snare technique and forceps techniques (p = 0.60) despite a significantly longer dwell time in patients undergoing forceps retrieval (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the largest cohort of forceps directed IVC filter retrieval present in the literature. Rates of successful endobronchial forceps and standard snare retrievals in this study are similar to previous reports. Although use of endobronchial forceps may be associated with higher complication rates, this is likely due to prolonged dwell times, filter tilt, and attempted removal of non retrievable filters. Overall, forceps-directed retrieval offers a safe, effective means of removal in difficult cases.

Level of evidence

Level 3, Large Retrospective Study.

Role of Inferior Vena Cava Filter Retrieval in Patients on Chronic Anticoagulation Therapy

Purpose of review

Describe the role of inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) retrieval in patients on chronic anticoagulation given the overlap of these treatment options in the management of patients with venous thromboembolic disease.

Recent findings

Despite the increase in IVCF retrievals since the Food and Drug Administration safety communications in 2010 and 2014, retrieval rates remain low. Previous studies have shown that longer filter dwell times are associated with greater risk for filter complications and more difficulty with filter retrievals. Recent findings suggest that complications are more frequent in the first 30 days after placement.

Summary

The decision to retrieve an optional IVCF is individualized and requires diligent follow-up with consistent re-evaluation of the need for the indwelling IVCF, particularly in those on long-term anticoagulation therapy.