Innovative IVC Filter Retrieval Techniques


We specialize in innovative and complex techniques for difficult filter retrievals.  

Common referrals include:
  • Filters unable to be removed by standard technique
  • Filters that have been left in place for prolonged periods (over 1 year)
  • Removal of "permanent" filters

We have treated dozens of patients referred from outside hospitals.  Our patients come from around the Midwest including Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin to seek our expertise.  Many of our novel techniques have been published in peer-reviewed journals.  A sampling of these publications is listed below.

Should you have a patient who underwent an unsuccessful filter retrieval, we are happy to offer our expert opinion and years of technical experience.

Publications
by University of Chicago Faculty

Wadhwa V, Trivedi PS, Desai S, Ahmed O. Identifying Patient and Hospital Characteristics Resulting in Higher Utilization of Mechanical IVC Filtration: Analysis of the 2014 Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Accepted for publication to the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology.
Ahmed O, Hadied MO, Madassery K. Retrieval of a Permanent VenaTech LGM Filter 18 Years After Implantation Using A Novel Removal Method. Accepted to the Journal of Vascular Surgery.
Ahmed O, Wadhwa V, Patel K, Patel MV, Turba UC, Arslan B. Rising Retrieval Rates of Inferior Vena Cava Filters in the United States: Insights from the 2012-2016 Summary Medicare Claimes Data.  Accepted for publication to the Journal of the American College of Radiology. 
Ahmed O, Masrani A, Turba UC, March R, Ginsburg M, Arslan B. Percutaneous Endovascular Retrieval of a Migrated Permanent VenaTech LP Inferior Vena Cava Filter from the Right Ventricle. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2017 Sep;28(9):1304-1306.
Ahmed O, Jilani S, Heussner D, Khan M. Trapped by Controversy: Inferior Vena Cava Filters and the Law. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2017 Jun; 28(6): 886-888
Ahmed O, Patel K, Patel MV, Baadh A, Madassery S, Turba UC, Ward TJ. Declining National Annual IVC Filter Utilization: An Analysis on the Impact of Societal and Governmental Communications. Chest. 2017 Jun;151(6):1402-1404.
Ahmed O, Madassery K, Heussner D, Tran P, Masrani A, Arslan B, Turba U. VenaTech LP Filter Retrieval for Filter Related Thrombosis or Malpositioning. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2016 Nov; 27(11):1724-1726.
​Indwelling and Retrieval Complications of Denali and Celect Infrarenal Vena Cava Filters.
Bos AS, Tullius T, Patel M, Leef JA, Navuluri R, Lorenz JM, Van Ha TG.  J Vasc Interv Radiol.  2016;27(7):1021-6
Strut Penetration: Local Complications, Breakthrough Pulmonary Embolism, and Retrieval Failure in Patients with Celect Vena Cava Filters.  
Bos A, Van Ha T, van Beek D, Ginsburg M, Zangan S, Navuluri R, Lorenz J, Funaki B.  In press.
J Vasc Interv Radiol.  2015;26(1):101-6.
Femoral removal of meridian filter in a patient with central venous occlusion.
Van Ha TG, Zangan S, Sheth D, Lorenz J.
J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2014 Jun;25(6):979-81.
The RETRIEVE trial: safety and effectiveness of the retrievable crux vena cavafilter.
Smouse HB, Mendes R, Bosiers M, Van Ha TG, Crabtree T; RETRIEVE Investigators.
J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2013 May;24(5):609-21.

Difficult OptEase filter retrievals after prolonged indwelling times.
Van Ha TG, Kang L, Lorenz J, Zangan S, Navuluri R, Straus C, Funaki B.
Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol. 2013 Aug;36(4):1139-43.

Use of retrievable filters in alternative common iliac vein location in high-risk surgical patients.
Van Ha TG, Dillon P, Funaki B, Zangan S, Lorenz J, Piano G, Regalado S.
J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2011 Mar;22(3):325-9.

Techniques used for difficult retrievals of the Günther Tulip inferior vena cava filter: experience in 32 patients.
Van Ha TG, Vinokur O, Lorenz J, Regalado S, Zangan S, Piano G, Funaki B.
J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2009 Jan;20(1):92-9.

Use of retrievable compared to permanent inferior vena cava filters: a single-institution experience.
Van Ha TG, Chien AS, Funaki BS, Lorenz J, Piano G, Shen M, Leef J.
Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol. 2008 Mar-Apr;31(2):308-15.

Safety, feasibility, and outcome of retrievable vena cava filters in high-risk surgical patients.
Piano G, Ketteler ER, Prachand V, Devalk E, Van Ha TG, Gewertz BL, Alverdy JC.
J Vasc Surg. 2007 Apr;45(4):784-8

Complications of inferior vena caval filters.
Van Ha TG.
Semin Intervent Radiol. 2006 Jun;23(2):150-5.

Removal of Günther Tulip vena cava filter through femoral vein approach.
Van Ha TG, Keblinskas D, Funaki B, Lorenz J.
J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2005 Mar;16(3):391-4.