[Operative prevention and therapy of lung embolism]

Operative prophylaxis and therapy for pulmonary embolism have become proven methods. The indication for cava interruption by filter implantation must be quite narrow. The operative risk of this operation is low and the prophylactic effect is quite high. Pulmonary embolectomy seems to be seldom necessary. Operation should be done after pulmonalis angiography with extracorporeal circulation.