Introducer curving technique to reduce tilting of transfemoral Gunther Tulip IVC filter: in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Severe tilting of Günther Tulip filter (GTF) may be associated with difficulty in retrieval. PURPOSE: To determine if an introducer curving technique of GTF can decrease the tilting degree of GTF in a caval model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The model was constructed by placing Dacron grafts in bifurcated glass tubes. The study included three groups: Right Straight Group (G(1)), Left Straight Group (G(2)), and Left Curved Group (G(3)). In G(3), a 10-20° angle was curved on the metal introducer before insertion to decrease the angle between inferior vena cava axes and metal introducer (A(CM)). Before GTF was released, the distance between the caval right wall and the apical hook (D(CH1)), and A(CM) were measured. The tilt angle of GTF (A(CF)) was also measured. RESULTS: In G(1), GTF apex tended to center compared to G(2) (59% vs. 36%, P < 0.01). In G(3), GTF apex tended to center compared to G(2) (71% vs. 36%, P < 0.01). The differences of A(CF) between G(1) and G(2) (2.66 ± 1.80 vs. 4.13 ± 2.07, P < 0.01) and between G(2) and G(3) (4.13 ± 2.07 vs. 2.39 ± 1.79, P < 0.01) were statistically significant. There were significant positive correlations between A(CM) and A(CF), whereas significant negative correlations were detected between D(CH1) and A(CF) in each group. CONCLUSION: The oblique course of GTF delivery system relative to the axis of the cava causes filter tilt, and thus, curving the introducer prior to its introduction helps to reduce the filter tilt. We recommend a clinical study to determine whether the introducer curving technique improves filter centering and its retrievability.