Recovery G2 inferior vena cava filter: Technical success and safety of retrieval

PURPOSE: To assess the safety and technical success of the retrieval of the Recovery G2 filter when implanted for temporary protection against pulmonary embolism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Recovery G2 inferior vena cava (IVC) filter was placed in 120 consecutive patients between September 2005 and September 2006 in a single center. Patients had deep venous thrombosis (DVT) (n = 63), pulmonary embolism and DVT (n = 55), and high risk for pulmonary embolism without recent thromboembolic disease (n = 2). Indications for filter placement included contraindication to anticoagulation (n = 106), failure of anticoagulation (n = 11), and prophylaxis in addition to anticoagulation (n = 3). In patients eligible for filter removal, the authors measured the mean implantation time, filter retrieval success rate, and retrieval procedure time. In addition, they assessed filter tilting, migration, caval penetration, thrombus within the filter, fracture, and caval injury or stenosis. RESULTS: In the 51 patients who met the criteria for filter removal, filter tilting (> 15 degrees) was seen in six patients (12%); small thrombi were seen in filters of 15 patients (29%), presumed caval penetration was seen in nine patients (18%), and caudal filter migration was seen in two patients (3.9%). There were no fractures or cephalic migrations. Removal attempts were successful in all 51 patients (100%). The mean implantation time was 53.4 days (range, 7-242 days), and the retrieval procedure time averaged 16.8 minutes (range, 5-60 minutes). CONCLUSIONS: Retrieval of the Recovery G2 filter is safe and can be performed successfully in patients who no longer need IVC filtration.