Abstract No. 598 Application of endobronchial forceps for IVC filter retrieval with short dwell times: early term results and comparison outcomes against traditional removal techniques

Abstract

Removal of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters has become a staple of IR interventions. Endobronchial forceps (EBF) have previously been shown effective, particularly when used for complex filter retrievals, which commonly have long dwell times. Furthermore, the EBF technique has been shown to be cost effective compared to traditional brand name retrieval kits. The aim of this study is to compare EBF for primary, non-complex removal of IVC filters with short dwell times to traditional removal techniques. In a single-institution retrospective review of all patients who underwent IVC filter removal spanning 2 years, 68 patients were identified. Subjects with unknown IVC filter placement dates, excessive dwell times (>500 days), and cases performed outside of the IR suite were excluded, as were cases with excessive fluoroscopy times or radiation exposures within the traditional groups as these indicated increased complexity. So-called “rescue” cases in which EBF were used when traditional methods failed were included for historical comparison. Patient demographics were collected and comparison data for each technique included filter type and manufacturer, filter dwell time, technique and method of filter retrieval, fluoroscopy time, radiation dose, and complications. 57 patients met inclusion criteria, of which 2 main groups were identified: forcep and non-forcep retrievals, which contained 16 (28%) and 41 (72%) patients respectively. Subgroup stratification with corresponding metrics are listed in the table. Early data shows slightly increased fluoroscopy time and radiation exposure when using EBF in the retrieval of short dwell time IVC filters, possibly explained by operator experience and small sample size. No major complications were observed in the EBF-only group, suggesting it to be a feasible alternative to traditional techniques.Tabled 1MethodNumberMean Dwell Time in Days (range)Mean Fluoroscopy Time (min)Mean Radiation Exposure (mGy)ComplicationsEBF Only6107 (49-132)10.7532NoneEBF rescue101100 (2-2570)42.520252 filter fractures1 extravasationA la carte kit assembly31184 (39-470)6.0350NonePreassembled manufacturer kit10139 (1-467)3.2239None Open table in a new tab