Retrieval of TRAPEASE and OPTEASE Inferior Vena Cava Filters with Extended Dwell Times.

PURPOSE

To demonstrate that OPTEASE and TRAPEASE filters can be removed after dwell times greater than 60 days.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent an attempted removal of a TRAPEASE or OPTEASE filter with a greater than 60-day dwell time between 2009 and 2015 at a single institution. Eleven patients within that time span were identified, and 10 were included in the review. One patient was excluded from the study because the date of filter placement was unknown.

RESULTS

All filters were successfully retrieved. The average dwell time for removed TRAPEASE filters was 1,273 days (range, 129-3,582 d), with a median of 492 days (n = 5). The average dwell time for OPTEASE filters was 977 days (range, 123-2,584 d), with a median of 661 days (n = 5). The average dwell time of all filters was 1,125 days (range, 123-3,582 d), with a median of 577 days (n = 10). All patients exhibited inferior vena cava (IVC) stenosis after filter retrieval. An IVC pseudoaneurysm was present following retrieval in one case and resolved. In one case, a fractured filter strut was left completely embedded in the caval wall. Two patients reported unilateral leg swelling on clinical follow-up, and the remainder reported no leg swelling or tightness.

CONCLUSIONS

Initial experience suggests that TRAPEASE and OPTEASE filters can be removed after extended dwell times.