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Updated: Sep 17, 2025
Image Acquisition Method for the Sonographic Assessment of the Inferior Vena Cava
Published on: January 13, 2023
Predictors of inferior vena cava filter retrieval in a population-based Canadian cohort
Serena Ip1, Konrad Salata2, Graham Roche-Nagle3
1Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Insights
Less than 40% of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters were retrieved, with most removals occurring within one year. Predictors of retrieval included teaching hospital placement and recent dates, while older age and comorbidity reduced retrieval likelihood.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Health Services Research
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are used to prevent pulmonary embolism.
- Predictors for IVC filter retrieval remain incompletely understood in contemporary cohorts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors influencing the retrieval of IVC filters in a North American population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of administrative health data from Ontario, Canada (2010-2019).
- Identification of adult IVC filter placements using physician service fee codes.
- Calculation of cumulative filter retrieval incidence with competing risk analysis for death.
- Multivariable sub-distribution hazard regression to assess covariate associations.
Main Results:
- A total of 5617 patients received IVC filters; retrieval probability plateaued below 40%.
- Most retrievals (96%) occurred within one year of filter placement.
- Filter placement in teaching hospitals and after 2016 increased retrieval likelihood.
- Older age and higher comorbidity were associated with decreased retrieval rates.
Conclusions:
- Less than 40% of IVC filters are retrieved, predominantly within the first year post-insertion.
- Improved coordination and standardization of follow-up services are necessary for optimal IVC filter management.
Background:
The objective of this study was to determine the predictors of inferior vena cava (IVC) filter retrieval in a contemporary North American cohort of patients who received an IVC filter.
Methods:
A retrospective population-based cohort study was conducted using Ontario administrative health data. Physician service fee codes were used to identify all adults with an IVC filter placement from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2019. The cumulative incidence of filter retrieval over time was calculated, accounting for death as a competing risk. Multivariable sub-distribution hazard regression models were constructed to quantify the association between covariates and the likelihood of filter retrieval.
Results:
A total of 5617 people received an IVC filter during the study period. Median follow-up was 1.8 years (interquartile range, 0.2-5.4 years). The probability of filter retrieval plateaued under 40% with most retrievals (96%; n = 2049 of 2135) occurring within 1 year of placement. Filter placement in a teaching hospital (hazard ratio, 1.85; 95% confidence interval, 1.60-2.02), and placement after 2016 were associated with a greater likelihood of filter retrieval. Older age and greater comorbidity were associated with a lower likelihood of filter retrieval.
Conclusions:
In this population-based study of IVC filter retrieval, less than 40% of filters were retrieved, mostly within 1 year of insertion. Better coordination and standardization of services responsible for follow-up of patients with IVC filters are needed.
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