Factors Affecting Inferior Vena Cava Filter Retrieval Success Rate

Objective: To evaluate potential factors that may affect technical success rate in inferior vena cava filter attempts. Methods: All inferior vena cava retrieval attempts from 2012 to 2016 at a single institution were reviewed. Patient demographics, indications for procedure, inferior vena cava filter type, presence of angulation, filter dwell time were compared between successful retrieval group and unsuccessful retrieval group. Statistical analysis was performed by using unpaired t test, Mann-Whitney U test, or Fisher’s exact test, depending on the variables being evaluated. Results: A total of 29 patients with 30 inferior vena cava filter retrieval attempts were included. Overall retrieval success rate was 83% (25 of 30). Inferior vena cava filter angulation of >15° was observed in 3 of 5 (60%) unsuccessful retrievals compared with none of 25 (0%) successful retrievals (p = 0.002). Mean filter dwell time was 61 days (median, 57 days) in unsuccessful retrievals compared with 51 days (median, 13 days) in successful retrievals. However, the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: vena cava filter with an angulation of >15° is associated with unsuccessful retrieval attempts.