Inferior vena cava filter retrievals using advanced techniques: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Medical Devices
• Interventional Radiology
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are used to prevent pulmonary embolism.
• Complex retrieval techniques are necessary for filters that fail standard removal or become embedded.
• Assessing the safety and efficacy of these advanced retrieval methods is crucial.

Approach:

• A systematic review of published literature was conducted using PubMed, adhering to PRISMA 2020 guidelines.
• Studies reporting on complex IVC filter retrieval in >5 patients, published through April 2020, were included.
• Risk of bias was assessed, and pooled success and complication rates were calculated for various filter types and retrieval methods.

Key Points:

• The review included 19 studies encompassing 758 patients and 770 advanced retrieval attempts.
• Overall success rate for advanced retrieval was 92.6%, with major complications in only 2.8% of patients.
• Success rates were high for both retrievable (92.0%) and permanent (96.4%) filters, with no significant difference in major complication rates based on filter type.

Conclusions:

• Advanced IVC filter retrieval techniques demonstrate a favorable safety profile with low major complication rates.
• These techniques are effective for retrieving both retrievable and certain permanent IVC filters.
• Further investigation into the safety of complex retrieval for permanent filters is warranted to clarify specific risks.