615 - Outcomes of Inferior Vena Cava Filter Use in Lung Transplant Recipients: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

Monday, April 13, 2026

12:10 PM - 1:10 PM ET

Poster Presenter(s)

BM

Brett Musialowicz, MD

Resident Physician
Columbia University, United States

Author/Co-author(s)

SF

Samuel Fordyce, MD

Resident Physician
Columbia University, United States
AS

Abin Sajan, MD

Resident Physician
Columbia University Medical Center, United States
Connie Liou, MD

Resident Physician
Columbia University, United States
MC

Michael Chiok, MD

Resident Physician
Columbia University - Vascular and Interventional Radiology, United States
HB

Hannah Bae, MD

Resident Physician
Staten Island University Hospital, United States
Raghuram Posham, MD

Assistant Professor
NewYork Presbyterian - Columbia University, United States
LY

Lindsay Young, MD

Assistant Professor Interventional Radiology
Columbia University Irving Medical Center, United States
John Filtes, MD

IR/DR Resident
Columbia University Irving Medical Center, United States
Tarub S. Mabud, MD, MS

Resident Physician
New York University Grossman School of Medicine, United States
Asad Baig, MD

Assistant Professor Interventional Radiology
Columbia University, United States
Debkumar Sarkar, DO

Associate Attending
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, United States
SR

Stephen P. Reis, MD

Associate Professor Interventional Radiology
Columbia University, United States
NA

Noor Ahmad, MD

Associate Professor Interventional Radiology
Columbia University, United States
Kiyon Naser-Tavakolian, MD

Assistant Professor Interventional Radiology
Columbia University, United States

Purpose: Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are often used in lung transplant recipients who develop venous thromboembolism (VTE), particularly when anticoagulation is temporarily contraindicated due to procedures such as bronchoscopy. However, data on filter safety, retrieval rates, and long-term outcomes in this unique population remain limited.

Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective review of lung transplant recipients who underwent IVC filter placement between January 2021 and April 2025. Data collected included filter type, VTE indication, retrieval attempts (including technique, fluoroscopy time, and radiation dose), complications, and survival outcomes.

Results: Ninety-five lung transplant patients received retrievable IVC filters (93 Argon Option Elite, 2 Celect) during the study period. The most common indication was deep vein thrombosis (DVT), followed by combined DVT and pulmonary embolism (PE) in the immediate post-transplant period. Of these, 63 filters (66.3%) were successfully retrieved, with a median dwell time of 7.7 months (IQR 4–10). Retrieval was achieved using snare technique in 53 cases and forceps-assisted technique in 10; all retrieval attempts were technically successful. One complication—filter migration into the right renal vein—was managed with successful forceps retrieval. No filter-related deaths were reported. Reasons for non-retrieval included persistent VTE, ongoing hospitalization, repeated bronchoscopic procedures, unrelated death, and loss to follow-up.

Conclusion: IVC filters are frequently placed in lung transplant recipients due to a complex interplay of thromboembolic risk and procedural contraindications to anticoagulation. Retrieval rates in this population were higher than previously reported, with a low complication rate. These findings underscore the importance of structured surveillance and individualized risk-benefit assessment in filter management post-lung transplant.