Grasp-and-Fold Technique for Complex Inferior Vena Cava Filter Retrieval

This study evaluated the use of the grasp-and-fold technique for complex forceps retrieval of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters. A retrospective study of 14 patients (12 women and 2 men) who had either deeply tip-embedded or severely distorted IVC filters was performed at a single institution over 10 years. In this technique, endobronchial forceps were used to fold the filter in half to remove it through the sheath because the filter tip could not be accessed by dissection. The grasp-and-fold technique successfully removed all 14 filters. One patient had retained filter struts, which were present before the procedure. One mild and 5 moderate adverse events (AEs), including fracture fragment embolization requiring retrieval and self-limited IVC extravasation, occurred. No severe AEs occurred. In this small patient cohort, the grasp-and-fold forceps technique successfully retrieved deeply tip-embedded or distorted IVC filters with inaccessible tips.