Successful cases of difficult inferior vena cava filter retrieval with the use of biopsy forceps: Biopsy forceps technique

OBJECTIVES: For treatment and prevention of deep vein thrombosis(DVT) and pulmonary embolism(PE), retrievable inferior vena cava(IVC) filters have commonly been used as an effective bridge to anticoagulation. However, we experienced unexpected difficulty in endovascular retrieval of some IVC filters. Most problems were due to endovascular treatment devices issues, filter intimal migration, filter disintegration, filter-associated thrombosis, and right atrium/ventricle migration. METHODS: Disposable biopsy forceps was used to engage the filter hook and reform the shape of the filter struts. Endovascular retrieval assisted by use of the biopsy forceps via a similar vein was effective and provided a less-invasive, low cost method for removal of problematic IVC filters. RESULTS: We described easily performed methods that uses disposable biopsy forceps for the retrieval of IVC filters that are difficult to remove because of filter hook migration into the caval wall. CONCLUSION: We developed an easily performed method that uses intestine biopsy forceps for the retrieval of IVC filter that are difficult to remove.