Use of temporal vena cava filter in a patient with a high risk of perioperative pulmonary embolism

Intraluminal caval filter placement can be applied in order to prevent pulmonary embolism. When surgery has to be performed in the patient with proximal deep venous thrombosis anticoagulant therapy should be reduced and filter placement is indicated. Temporary filter appears an interesting option, as it can be removed shortly after surgical intervention, when contraindications to anticoagulation no longer exist. However, obligatory removal of a temporary device in case of suspected filter or vena cava thrombosis emerges as a new clinical problem. We present a ease of 20 year old woman with proximal deep venous thrombosis and high risk of pulmonary embolism in whom temporary vena caval filter with heparin infusion were chosen as a method of perioperative pulmonary embolism prevention.