[Caval interruption operations for prevention of lung embolism]

Interruption of the inferior vena cava by an umbrella-filter, clip or Green-field-filter has been performed in more than 400 patients during the past 14 years. Overall hospital mortality was 1% by clip application and 7% by Mobin-Uddin-umbrella. The indication for this method is limited to those patients suffering from recurrent pulmonary embolism, despite correct anticoagulation, and if thrombectomy is insufficient or contraindicated. Inferior vena cava patency was objectively assessed in 121 patients by cavogramm. Caval patency of 95% in those with Greenfield-filter and clip was significancy greater than the 15% patients seen with Mobin-Uddin devices. Venous status was objectively assessed in 45 patients by intracaval measuring the pressure in front of and behind the stenosis.