Forceps vs. Snare IVC Filter Removal

NCT ID: NCT04092192

Last Updated: 2026-01-07

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: RECRUITING
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 100 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2018-12-26
• Study Completion Date: 2028-01-30

Brief Summary

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.

Detailed Description

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.

Conditions

DVT

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: OTHER
• Blinding Strategy: NONE

Study Groups

Forceps

Subjects randomized to this cohort will have their IVC filter removed using a rigid forceps device that will be used to engage the filter apex directly and allow for the filter to be capture/removed.

Group Type: ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

IVC filter removal

Intervention Type: 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.

Snare

Subjects randomized to this cohort will have their IVC filter removed using an endovascular snare (like a lasso) device that is designed to catch the hook of the filter and allow it to be captured.

Group Type: ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

IVC filter removal

Intervention Type: 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.

Interventions

IVC filter removal

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.

Intervention Type: DEVICE

Eligibility Criteria

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.

• Minimum Eligible Age: 18 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

University of Chicago

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Responsibility Role: SPONSOR

Principal Investigators

Osmanuddin Ahmed, MD

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

UChicago Medicine

Locations

UChicago Medicine

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Site Status: RECRUITING

Countries

United States

Central Contacts

Osmanuddin Ahmed, MD

Role: CONTACT

oahmed@uchicago.edu

773-795-7226

Pamela Lofton, RN, MSN

Role: CONTACT

773-702-2537

Facility Contacts

Osmanuddin Ahmed, M.D.

Role: primary

oahmed@uchicago.edu

773-795-7226

Pamela Lofton, RN, MSN

Role: backup

plofton@uchicago.edu

773-702-2537

Other Identifiers

IRB 18-1502

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id