Investigating the impact of the retrieval hook orientation of inferior vena cava filters implanted via the femoral vein and the choice of femoral vein approach during retrieval on the number of capture attempts.

26 patients with lower limb deep vein thrombosis with or without pulmonary embolism were treated by inserting an inferior vena cava filter through the femoral vein. After anticoagulation and thrombectomy, the inferior vena cava filter was removed. Among them, there were 9 cases of retrieving filters through the contralateral femoral vein approach with the opening direction of the retrieval hook, and 17 cases through the ipsilateral approach. Following the removal of the filter, the patients underwent oral anticoagulant therapy for a duration of six months and were subjected to regular follow-up examinations.

26 patients successfully removed the filters. Nine cases were retrieved from the contralateral femoral vein via the retrieval hook opening direction, with 7-12 captures, while 17 cases were retrieved from the ipsilateral approach, with 1-4 captures. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.001).

When retrieving a filter via the femoral venous approach, selecting the same side as the opening direction of the femoral venous access can significantly reduce the number of captures, making. It can serve as a reference for selecting the approach when retrieving the biconical inferior vena cava filter via the femoral vein.