Publication

A "Buddy Wire" technique for successful OptEase filter retrieval

Journal Paper/Review - Mar 27, 2009

Units
PubMed
Doi

Citation
Pfammatter T, Hechelhammer L, Pfiffner R. A "Buddy Wire" technique for successful OptEase filter retrieval. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2009; 20:656-9.
Type
Journal Paper/Review (English)
Journal
J Vasc Interv Radiol 2009; 20
Publication Date
Mar 27, 2009
Issn Electronic
1535-7732
Pages
656-9
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%.