A Case Which Formed Thrombus in the Proximal Side of Inferior Vena Cave Filter

Until recently, the inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) has been presupposed as a treatment for prevention of pulmonaly embolism (PE) after orthopaedic surgery. However, a number of recent reports have described both efficacy and high complication rates in permanent IVCF; and the temporary IVCF has come to be used rather than permanent one. New various complications such as a hematoma of the insertion part, bleeding, infection, and removal difficulty are clarified with using temporary IVCF. We experienced a case of postoperative thrombus at the proximal side of temporary IVCF. This phenomenon is very rare, and it is difficult to treat because of the possibility of PE. Finally, it could be treated by the intravenous dose of both heparin and urokinase at the same time. This experience suggests that the selection of patients for indication of temporary IVCF should be made with extreme caution. And, it is very important to cooperate with other departments such as cardioangiology. The necessity and complications of postoperative IVCF need to be explained exactly to patients and their family.