Retrievability of the recovery vena cava filter after dwell times longer than 180 days

PURPOSE: Permanent and optional (retrievable) inferior vena cava (IVC) filters reduce pulmonary embolism (PE) risk. Maximum safe dwell times for retrievable devices have not been defined. This retrospective multicenter analysis evaluated the feasibility of retrieval of the Bard Recovery filter after dwell times longer than 180 days. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen patients from three U.S. institutions were included. The patients ranged in age from 21 to 70 years (mean, 46.2 y); six were male, seven female. All filters were removed via the right internal jugular vein. Data were collected on filter position and condition, fluoroscopy time, complications, and IVC abnormality. RESULTS: The filter dwell times ranged from 181 to 419 days (mean, 254.2 +/- 79.7 d). All filters were retrieved successfully without difficulties. The mean fluoroscopy time was 5.78 +/- 3.39 minutes (range, 3.12-16.0 min). Two of 13 filters had a tilt of more than 10 degrees, but no filter was embedded into the IVC wall. No filter migration or thrombus within the filter was observed. On 11 of 13 venograms, the arms projected outside the IVC in a parallel fashion, likely tenting the vessel. In one case, one leg and one arm pointed outside the IVC, likely penetrating the vessel. Venographic findings after retrieval were normal in all but one patient, who had a mild narrowing of the IVC (stenosis < 30%). CONCLUSION: Retrievals of the Recovery filter with dwell times beyond 180 days appear feasible and were performed without complication in this series.