A survey of patients lost to follow-up after inferior vena cava filter placement

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to determine the demographics and subjective rationale for failure to present for retrieval of patients who had an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placed. Methods Between January 1, 2010, and September 12, 2017, there were 242 patients who had retrievable IVC filters placed. Demographics and indications for filter placement were retrospectively analyzed. All patients who failed to have the filter retrieved were contacted by Institutional Review Board-approved telephone survey to delineate the reason that the filter was not removed. Results Of 242 patients with IVC filters placed, 53 (22%) patients presented for filter retrieval at Abington-Jefferson Health. Patients who presented for filter retrieval were statistically younger (46 years vs 65 years; P  Conclusions Our study documented a disappointingly low rate of filter retrieval. Patients with IVC filters who failed to present for retrieval were more likely to be older and frequently did not understand the complications of leaving a filter in place and the need to have the filter retrieved. Patient education should be increased to better capture patients with IVC filters and to improve retrieval rates, but our study showed that a significant percentage of patients do not have filters retrieved because of comorbidities or they do not want another procedure.