Success in Optional Vena Cava Filter Retrieval. An Analysis of 246 Patients

This study assessed vena cava filter (VCF) retrieval rates and factors associated with retrieval failure in a single center cohort.

We conducted an observational retrospective cohort study. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients whose VCF was retrieved. We performed logistic regression to identify variables associated with retrieval failure.

During the study period, 246 patients received a VCF and met the eligibility requirements to be included in the study; 151 (61%) patients received a VCF due to contraindication to anticoagulation, 69 (28%) patients had venous thromboembolism (VTE) and a high risk of recurrence, and 26 (11%) patients received a filter due to recurrent VTE while on anticoagulant therapy. Of 236 patients who survived the first month after diagnosis of VTE, VCF was retrieved in 96%. Retrieval rates were significantly lower for patients with recurrent VTE while on anticoagulation, compared with patients with contraindication to anticoagulation or patients with a high risk of recurrence (79% vs. 97% vs. 100%, respectively; P<0.01). Mean time to retrieval attempt was significantly associated with retrieval failure (137.8 ± 65.3 vs. 46.3 ± 123.1 days, P<0.001).

In this single center study, VCF retrieval success was 96%. A delay in the attempt to retrieve the VCF correlated significantly with retrieval failure.