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Retrieval of Inferior Vena Cava Filters

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Current Management of Venous Diseases

Abstract

The introduction of retrievable devices in 2003 lead to an exponential rise in the use of IVC filters. However, most IVC filters placed were not retrieved. Due to increasing rates of late adverse events, the FDA in 2010 issued an alert, urging physicians to retrieve these filters once protection from PE is no longer needed. IVC filter retrieval is a technically simple endovascular procedure when performed in a timely fashion. Prolonged indwelling time and tilted configuration can significantly increase the complexity of the procedure and sometimes make endovascular retrieval impossible. A variety of tools and techniques have been described for challenging cases and are collectively referred to as advanced endovascular techniques. Recently, minimally invasive robotic and laparoscopic techniques were described in specialized centers. Finally, open surgical removal via laparotomy remains a safe option if minimally invasive techniques are not possible. The following chapter gives an overview of the different modalities of IVC filter removal and their outcomes.

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Correspondence to Cassius Iyad Ochoa Chaar MD, MS, FACS .

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Brahmandam, A., Aurshina, A., Ochoa Chaar, C.I. (2018). Retrieval of Inferior Vena Cava Filters. In: Chaar, C. (eds) Current Management of Venous Diseases . Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-65226-9_33

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-65226-9_33

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