July 25, 2022
LAFAYETTE– Dr. Amit Amin, interventional cardiologist at Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS), is the first in Acadiana, and second in the state, to use the Philips CavaClear® Advanced Excimer Laser IVC Filter Retrieval System for the removal of an inferior vena cava filter, implanted to prevent blood clots from forming in the legs and traveling to the circulatory system. The procedure took place on July 19 in the catheterization laboratory at Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center.
The first and only FDA-cleared solution for advanced IVC filter removal, this system uses laser technology developed by Philips to give patients a safe and effective treatment option for removal while eliminating the risk of future filter-related complications. IVC filters are placed in the inferior vena cava, the largest vein of the body, to capture blood clots in the legs and abdomen from moving to the lungs. However, research has shown that IVC filters may have long-term complications, such as fracture and travel through the bloodstream to other parts of the body or penetration in adjacent organs. The FDA recommends that physicians remove retrievable IVC filters as soon as they are no longer indicated.
CavaClear uses circumferential tissue ablation to aid in capturing the filter within seconds of laser activation, increasing efficiency during removal and reducing the number of retrieval attempts. The simple and safe design is easy for physicians to integrate into their workflow and reduces the need for high-force retrievals. Laser-assisted IVC filter retrieval has proven success rates of 96-99.4% with low complication rates.
“This system is designed to provide a safe, efficient, and controlled way to remove chronically embedded IVC filters for our patients,” said Dr. Amin. “CIS continues to bring patients new technology and devices to improve the level of care we offer in treating vascular disease.”
Learn more about this retrieval system here.
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