Solving the Chinese Finger Trap: A Novel Method for Simultaneous Superior and Inferior Vena Cava Filter Removal

As many as 130,000 inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are placed annually, with as few as 5,000 retrieved a year for patients who no longer require protection from deep vein thrombosis. Superior vena cava (SVC) filter placement is an even less common occurrence and is usually reserved for special cases. Furthermore, the simultaneous placement of IVC and SVC filters is most rare, whereas simultaneous IVC and SVC filter removal has not been reported in the literature. We present a case and a novel technique for successful concurrent removal of IVC and SVC filters in a patient.