A retrospective two-center study assessing the safety and efficacy of two novel standard inferior vena cava filter retrieval kits

<h2>ABSTRACT</h2><h3>Objective</h3> To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of novel commercially available single-loop and triple-loop inferior vena cava filter retrieval kits for the percutaneous removal of inferior vena cava filters that were no longer medically required. <h3>Methods</h3> The medical charts of 71 total patients who underwent filter retrieval with the initial device being Single-Loop or Triple-Loop Retrieval Kit (Argon Medical Devices, Inc, Athens, Texas, USA) at two sites between January 1, 2020, and October 31, 2022, were reviewed in this retrospective study. Procedural information and postprocedural follow-up data, if available, were collected. The primary endpoint was clinical success, defined as the successful removal/retrieval of the filter without procedural complications. Secondary endpoints included technical success, use of adjunctive methods, and occurrence of procedural complications. <h3>Results</h3> The Single-Loop Retrieval Kit was utilized as the primary inferior vena cava filter retrieval method in 48 patients and the Triple-Loop Retrieval Kit was used in 23 patients. Filter retrieval was technically and clinically successful in 68 of 71 total cases (95.8%). Reasons for unsuccessful retrieval in the three cases included inability to snare the filter, filter immobility, and filter endothelialization. Adjunctive methods were required in 16 (22.5%) patients, 9 when using the Single-Loop and 7 when using the Triple-Loop Retrieval Kit. Mean procedure time ± standard deviation was 46.31 ± 41.36 minutes without adjunctive methods and 75.94 ± 48.0 minutes with adjunctive methods. The mean fluoroscopy time was 14.00 ± 16.90 minutes and 16.13 ± 3.52 minutes among the successful and unsuccessful cases, respectively. No device-related adverse events were reported, nor were retrieval kit deficiencies or malfunctions reported. <h3>Conclusions</h3> This retrospective analysis demonstrates that the use of Single-Loop and Triple-Loop Retrieval Kits, alone or adjunctively, is safe and effective for retrieval of inferior vena cava filters.