Transvenous "rescue" of a Kimray-Greenfield filter from the right atrium

The complications of transvenous interruption of the inferior vena cava are most commonly associated with premature discharge of the device or inadvertent placement at a site other than the preselected position which is most commonly the infrarenal vena cava. This case report illustrates a useful technique for the transvenous retrieval of a partially ejected Kimray-Greenfield filter that became lodged in the right atrium. This simple technique may save the need for open thoracotomy to retrieve the misplaced filter.