Publication
A "Buddy Wire" technique for successful OptEase filter retrieval
Journal Paper/Review - Mar 27, 2009
Pfammatter Thomas, Hechelhammer Lukas, Pfiffner Roger
Units
PubMed
Doi
Citation
Type
Journal
Publication Date
Issn Electronic
Pages
Brief description/objective
The present report describes a transfemoral, single-access OptEase filter retrieval technique that takes advantage of its particular two-level mirrored umbrella design. By threading a stiff "buddy" guide wire through the device, the filter is aligned to the long vena cava axis. This technique separates the retrieval hooklet from the adjacent venous wall, thereby facilitating its snaring. This simple technique has been successful in 10 patients after a failed standard retrieval attempt. In this series of 118 consecutively placed OptEase filters, the overall filter retrieval rate increased from 72% to 80% with this maneuver, and the rate of successful intended retrieval increased from 83% to 93%.