Experience with the Cardial inferior vena cava filter as prophylaxis against pulmonary embolism in pregnant women with extensive deep venous thrombosis.

OBJECTIVE: To report the use of the Cardial inferior vena caval filter as prophylaxis against pulmonary embolism in pregnant women with extensive iliofemoral thrombosis. SETTING: Leicester Royal Infirmary. SUBJECTS: Four pregnant women with extensive iliofemoral thrombosis, deemed to be at high risk of pulmonary embolism, managed over a period of one year. TECHNIQUE: In addition to standard full anticoagulation with heparin, the Cardial inferior vena cava filter was introduced percutaneously under local anaesthesia through the unaffected contralateral femoral vein and positioned in the inferior cava below the renal veins. RESULTS: The procedure was uncomplicated and did not compromise feto-maternal condition. There was no evidence of pulmonary embolism after filter insertion. CONCLUSION: The use of inferior vena cava filters should be considered as an adjunct to intravenous anticoagulation in pregnant women with extensive deep vein thrombosis of the lower limbs.