Two Cases of Prophylactic Insertion of an IVC Filter for Hip Surgery

Abstract

Thrombo-embolic complications are one of the greatest sequelae in orthopaedic surgery. Pulmonary embolism (PE) is frequently caused by deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In recent years, the frequency of DVT after lower extremity surgery is as high in Japan as in Western countries. We report two patients with a history of PE in whom an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter was inserted prophylactically. There was no sign of PE after the operation. Insertion of an IVC filter is a safe and effective method of preventing PE, especially in high-risk patients.