How I do it: robotic approach to the vena cava removal of the IVC filter strut extruding through the cava to the right ureter

Jonah Marshall^1,*, Olga Kirk², Yaron Sternbach³
1 St. Peters Hospital, Department of Urology, Albany, NY, USA
2 Ellis Hospital, Department of Cardiac Surgery, Schenectady, NY, USA
3 St. Peters Hospital, Department of Vascular Surgery, Albany, NY, USA
* Corresponding Author: Jonah Marshall. Email: email

Canadian Journal of Urology https://doi.org/10.32604/cju.2026.077670

Received 15 December 2025; Accepted 07 May 2026; Published online 15 June 2026

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Abstract

The gold standard of managing the retrieval of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters has been an endovascular approach with snare techniques. At times, complete removal cannot be performed, and an open surgical approach has been undertaken. Robotic technology allows for an alternative approach to a retained IVC filter retrieval. There are only a few documented cases of this approach in the literature to date, and we present a novel approach utilizing the lower abdominal retroperitoneal approach. We describe the approach, as well as provide some suggestions, which may facilitate both the higher and lower approaches to the IVC utilizing the robotic technique. The purpose is to share our experience in managing the vena cava to support urologists handling pathology related to the venous system, utilizing minimally invasive techniques.