A novel technique to remove inferior vena cava filters using a homemade snare device

J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord. 2014 Jan;2(1):94-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2013.06.007. Epub 2013 Oct 2.

Abstract

The need to retrieve inferior vena cava filters is quite evident due to the long-term complications. We present a novel technique to remove inferior vena cava filters using a homemade snare created using a looped a 0.014-inch semistiff wire. Employing this technique, 18 consecutive retrievable filters were removed. All filters were easily snared on the very first attempt, and no complications occurred. Our novel technique to retrieve filters is efficient, safe, and cost-effective.