Transvenous retrieval of misplaced stainless steel Greenfield filters.

ABSTRACT

Transvenous retrieval was attempted in five patients following surgical misplacement of stainless steel Greenfield filters. Four filters were located within the right atrium, and one was in the left hepatic vein. All retrievals were attempted within 5 days of placement. Retrieval was successful for the four filters in the right atrium and failed for the filter in the left hepatic vein. One air embolism occurred; this was the only filter- or retrieval-related complication. Transvenous retrieval is a safe and effective minimally invasive method of removing misplaced filters.