A Novel Technique Using a Protection Filter During Fibrin Sheath Removal for Implanted Venous Access Device...

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Interventional Radiology
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• Implanted venous access devices (IVADs) are crucial for long-term venous access.
• Maintaining IVAD function often requires interventions like fibrin sheath removal.
• Standard techniques risk releasing fibrin sheaths into pulmonary circulation, causing embolism.

Observation:

• A 64-year-old female patient presented with dysfunction of her IVAD.
• An endovascular approach was employed to address the IVAD dysfunction.
• The technique involved stripping the fibrin sheath using a coaxial snare integrated with a novel filter device.

Findings:

• The novel filter device successfully captured the stripped fibrin sheath.
• The captured fibrin sheath was removed for subsequent visual and pathological analysis.
• The patient experienced no immediate complications post-procedure.

Implications:

• This technique offers a safer method for IVAD fibrin sheath removal.
• Capturing the fibrin sheath minimizes the risk of pulmonary embolism.
• The described method enhances patient safety and preserves catheter function.