Günther Tulip Filter: Preliminary Clinical Experience with Retrieval

PURPOSE The Gunther Tulip filter is a permanent filter that has a hook to permit retrieval. The authors report their preliminary clinical evaluation of the filter with regard to feasibility and safety of retrieval. MATERIALS AND METHODS Nine men and six women who ranged in age from 17 to 79 years (mean, 51 years) underwent treatment with use of the Gunther Tulip filter. Patients judged to require caval interruption for RESULTS In all nine patients in whom it was attempted, the filter was successfully snared and retrieved via a jugular approach. The mean implantation period was 8.6 days (range, 5–13 days). Retrieval required 2.2–13 minutes (mean 5.3 minutes) of fluoroscopy. No caval injuries occurred as a result of retrieval. All retrieved filters had strands of organized thrombus on the filter struts. The patients were followed for 52–285 days (mean, 115 days) after retrieval. One patient developed a recurrent DVT 230 days after retrieval. No other patients developed a recurrent DVT and no patients developed IVC thrombosis, bleeding, or PE. Six filters were not retrieved: five because of an ongoing contraindication to anticoagulation and one because the patient died of causes unrelated to the filter. CONCLUSION This preliminary study confirms the feasibility and safety of retrieval of the Gunther Tulip filter up to 13 days after implantation.