As an interventional radiologist who specializes in vascular disease and management of complex IVC filter cases, Kuo has seen more and more patients referred to him from around the country for treatment of problematic IVC filters. These patients have inspired him to pioneer alternative methods that can be used to safely remove these devices. The cumulative results of years of research, coupled with ongoing studies, have resulted in new protocols for managing these challenging, high-risk cases in patients who otherwise would have no treatment option.

Kuo has published his data on complex and high-risk filter retrieval in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, and he recently presented new data on use of his laser technique at this year's Society of Interventional Radiology meeting.

Kuo's expertise convinced him that he could potentially use these alternative methods to help Karnstedt, who had by far the longest filter implant with the most severe intestinal perforation he had ever seen. "Every filter patient is unique, and thus the treatment must be meticulously planned and personalized to fit the patient," Kuo said.

On April 13, using real-time X-ray fluoroscopy to guide him, Kuo made a 4-mm incision in Karnstedt's neck, inserted a catheter into her jugular vein and guided it toward the filter in her vena cava. He then formed a special wire loop through the embedded filter and carefully began to realign it. The technique also allowed him to free the filter leg that had perforated through her intestines.

Next, through the same incision, Kuo advanced a special endovascular laser around the legs of the filter, and used this to carefully ablate the adherent tissues tethering the filter in place. This was a delicate maneuver as Kuo attempted to separate the scar tissue, which had formed around the filter over 18 years, without injuring the underlying normal vessel. After hours of working in this fashion, he was able to free, collapse, and completely remove the filter without damaging the underlying vena cava.

There was no need for open surgery, and following the procedure, no stitches were required ” just a Band-aid on her neck site.

Side effects? "None," Karnstedt said. "I was done at 2 p.m., and home by 6 p.m., having dinner with my family."

For her part, the Portola Valley mom said she is happy to be pain free. "I could have gone to dance class the next morning," she said about the recovery time. Instead, she and her family celebrated with a stroll on the beach at Half Moon Bay.

Source Stanford Hospital & Clinics