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NCT Number: NCT04092192

Forceps vs. Snare IVC Filter Removal

IVC filters are mechanical filters placed in a patient's body to trap blood clots in the legs migrating to the lungs. When no longer indicated, interventional radiologists are consulted for IVC filter removal. Currently, many methods for extracting IVC filters exist. Two of the most common methods involve using an endovascular snare device or rigid forceps. We intend to prospectively compare these two methods in an attempt to see if one offers an advantage to the other. This will be compared by evaluating success rates and procedure time.

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Key information

Conditions

DVT

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

About this study

Currently the optimal method for IVC filter retrieval with respect to success rate and fluoroscopic time (i.e. radiation exposure) is poorly understood. Both snare and forcep techniques have independently evaluated in literature but have never been compared directly. The proposed study would prospectively assess whether one of these established technique offers an advantage with respect to either of these variables.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Non-pregnant females
  • Adult patients (age 18 years and older)
  • Referred to Interventional Radiology for IVC filter removal
  • IVC filter implanted less than 6 months with the procedure being performed at UCMC by current IR staff.
  • Cook Celect filter or Argon Medical Option Elite

Exclusion criteria

  • Patients with outside hospital filter placement
  • Filters other than Cook Celect or Argon Medical Option Elite
  • Implantation period >6 months
  • Evidence of coagulopathy (INR <1.8, platelet count >50k)
  • Clotting disorder
  • Central venous occlusion
  • Prior filter placement/removal.

Treatment and study plan

IVC filter removal

Device

In the clinic, it will be explained to patient that they are asked to participate in a study that would randomize them to one of two established techniques for IVC filter removal. It will be explained these are both techniques that are used by interventional radiologists normally used for IVC filter retrieval.

One technique would be the utilization of an endovascular snare (like a lasso) device that is designed to catch the hook of the filter and allow it to be captured.

The other technique described will be the usage of a rigid forceps device that will be used to engage the filter apex directly and allow for the filter to be capture/removed.

Primary outcomes

  1. Removal success rate

    Time frame: Procedure date

    Data will be analyzed by a biostatistician to determine statistical differences between cohorts with respect to outcome measures.

  2. Flouroscopy time

    Time frame: Procedure start to finish

    Venography will be performed using a flush catheter and contrast material to evaluate for tip embedding. After filter retrieval, repeat venography will be performed to evaluate for thrombosis, caval spasm, caval perforation, fractured fragments, and other potential complications.

  3. Costs

    Time frame: Date of procedure up through 6 months following IVC filter removal

    Costs associated with filter removal encounter

  4. Procedure related complications

    Time frame: Date of procedure through 6 months following IVC filter removal

    After hemostasis is achieved, patients will be monitored for 2-4 hours in the interventional radiology recovery area.

    One month after filter retrieval, patients will be seen in clinic for follow-up. During this visit, a physicial assessment will done, including adverse events and review of medications.

    Six months after filter retrieval, patient will be contacted by telephone for follow-up. Adverse event and medication review will be performed during this call.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Osmanuddin Ahmed, MD

CONTACT

[email protected]

773-795-7226

Pamela Lofton, RN, MSN

CONTACT

773-702-2537

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Chicago

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Prospective Comparison of Rigid Forceps Versus Endovascular Snare for Routine IVC Filter Retrieval

Important dates

Study start
2018
Primary completion
2028
Study completion
2028
First posted
Sep 17, 2019
Registry last updated
Jan 7, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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