[Pulmonary embolism--preventive measures with special reference to the cava filter]

Preventive measures for pulmonary embolism are prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis and prevention of recurrence. This secondary prevention is mainly based on heparin therapy, but in the event of contraindications, complications or failure of this treatment, as well as in certain special situations, implantation of a vena caval filter is indicated. Indications and methods for inferior vena cava interruption are presented on the basis of a literature review and compared with personal experience of 24 patients. This demonstrates that the newer types of caval filters are easily implanted, disturb blood flow of the inferior vena cava only to a very small degree and are effective in preventing recurrence. Hence earlier reservations about the use of these devices are no longer justified.