Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficiency of Byrd Dilator Sheaths in IVC
filter removal.
Case: A total of 61 inferior vena cava filter removal procedures were performed in the
Department of Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Medical University of Lublin,
between 2020 and 2021. Access was used from the right femoral vein using the Seldinger
technique. The filters were removed using the “lasso” technique. In case of difficulties
with filter removal a Byrd dilator was used to separate the filter from the inferior
vena cava wall. Byrd dilators were used in 14 (22.9%) cases because of resistance
in removing the filter using a vascular loop. In all cases, the filters were left
in the IVC beyond the time recommended by the manufacturer. In 13 (92.9%) patients,
IVC filters were successfully removed. Follow-up phlebography performed after 3 weeks
showed normal IVC.
Discussion: Byrd Dilator Sheaths show limited side effects and are potentially an effective method
of filter removal when other approaches are unsuccessful. Studies on a larger group
are needed to obtain information on the safety and efficacy of this method.
