Günther-Tulip inferior vena cava filter removal 3334 days after placement

Abstract

The Günther-Tulip inferior vena cava filter (Cook Medical Inc, Bloomington, Ind) was one of the first inferior vena cava (IVC) filters to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for retrieval. Clinical experience has documented that these IVC filters may be safely removed after 12 weeks of implantation. Recent reports have shown that the longer the indwelling time, the higher the retrieval failure rate. We present a case of a successful retrieval of a Günther-Tulip IVC filter 3334 days after implantation. Removal of the Günther-Tulip IVC filter is technically feasible, even after a prolonged indwelling time.