Balloon-trapped Technique for Successful OptEase Filter Retrieval

Abstract

To describe a case of successful retrieval of OptEase filter, using the balloon-trapped technique, after failure of its retrieval by the standard techniques. An 82-year-old man had an inferior vena cava filter placed for deep venous thrombosis prophylactically. Seven days after successful catheter-directed thrombolysis, the filter was retrieved after changing the position to caudal, using a standard angioplasty balloon. The patient was discharged on warfarin anticoagulant. Balloon-trapped removal of the OptEase filter that failed standard retrieval attempt is an effective and safe technique that can be performed using commonly available tools and familiar to most interventionalists.