[Percutaneous placement of the inferior vena caval filter--a clinical experience with the Günther vena caval filter]

A new inferior vena caval filter (Günther vena caval filter) was used in seventeen patients with pulmonary embolism. The filter is a basket filter which consists of twelve stainless-steal wires, and can be inserted percutaneously through a 10 F angiographic catheter. The filter was easily and safely placed in every case. No significant complications were encountered. In a follow up period of up to twenty seven months, the filter was well tolerated. One patient had a recurrence of pulmonary embolism. The author believe that the filter will be suitable for prophylactic placement for pulmonary embolism, and it will take over another filters that require surgical venotomy.