"Recovery" vena cava filter: experience in 96 patients

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Interventional Radiology
• Medical Device Safety

Background:

• Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are used to prevent pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or contraindications to anticoagulation.
• The Recovery(TM) filter is one such device, and its clinical performance requires ongoing evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the clinical safety and efficacy of the Recovery(TM) IVC filter.
• To evaluate filter-related complications, including deployment, retrieval, and long-term integrity.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective evaluation of clinical and imaging data from 96 patients who received the Recovery(TM) IVC filter.
• Analysis of computed tomography (CT) scans for filter placement, complications, and pulmonary embolism (PE).
• Assessment of filter retrieval success rates and associated complications.

Main Results:

• The Recovery(TM) filter was successfully deployed in 96 patients.
• Filter retrieval was successful in 82% of attempted cases, with complications like IVC thrombus and intimal tear.
• Imaging revealed IVC penetration by filter arms in 11 patients, component fracture in 3, and asymmetric leg deployment in 12.
• One patient experienced PE post-retrieval, and one developed IVC thrombus.
• No filter migration or caval occlusion was observed.

Conclusions:

• The Recovery(TM) IVC filter is associated with structural weakness, high rates of IVC wall penetration, and asymmetric deployment.
• Despite these findings, no fatal pulmonary embolism was recorded in the study cohort.
• Further investigation and potential device redesign are warranted to address identified safety concerns.