Background: Routine inferior vena cava filter retrieval is a common procedure that can be accomplished with different techniques. Simple loop-snare retrieval is common; however, snares are single use, and many seemingly routine retrievals require more advanced techniques. Rigid endobronchial forceps retrieval is an effective advanced approach with the ability for the forceps to be sterilized and reused for multiple procedures. The purpose of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of snare versus forceps inferior vena cava filter retrieval techniques at a single institution.
Methods: This study is a cost minimization analysis based on an institutional review board-approved, single-center, retrospective review of all inferior vena cava filter retrievals from January 2019 to April 2021. Routine inferior vena cava filter retrieval techniques were categorized as loop-snare-only retrieval, forceps-assisted after unsuccessful snare retrieval, and forceps-only retrieval. Total equipment cost for each technique was determined.
Results: Seventy-seven successful routine inferior vena cava filter retrieval procedures were performed at our institution during the study period (63 loop-snare-only retrieval, 8 forceps-assisted after unsuccessful snare retrieval, and 6 forceps-only retrieval). There were no technical failures. Forceps-only retrieval was the most cost-effective technique with per-procedure equipment cost of loop-snare-only retrieval, forceps-assisted after unsuccessful snare retrieval, and forceps-only retrieval techniques of $434.30, $556.55, and $221.98, respectively. Average equipment cost for the 77 retrievals over the study was $430.46. Had all retrievals been performed using the forceps-only retrieval technique, average equipment cost per retrieval would have decreased by $208.48, for a total cost savings of $16 052.72.
Conclusion: Utilization of forceps-only retrieval technique for all routine inferior vena cava filter retrievals would result in a meaningful cost savings compared to standard loop-snare-only retrieval and forceps-assisted after unsuccessful snare retrieval techniques.
Cite this article as: Swietlik JF, Steiner Q, Laeseke PF, Eifler A. Routine inferior vena cava filter retrieval: A cost minimization analysis of loop snare versus rigid endobronchial forceps-assisted retrieval techniques. Imaging Interv. 2022;2(2):15-18.