Ligation of the Inferior Vena Cava for the Prevention of Pulmonary Embolism

Abstract

THROMBOSIS in the deep veins of the lower extremities has been shown to be a frequent source of postoperative pulmonary emboli. The demonstration by Homans,^{1 2 3} Frykholm⁴ and others that such thromboses usually begin in the veins of the foot or lower leg, with later extension into the femoral and iliac veins, has led to enthusiastic attempts to prevent embolic sequelae by venous ligation proximal to the thrombotic process. Because of their easy accessibility and the fact that in early cases they lie above the site of thrombosis, the superficial and common femoral veins have generally been chosen as the sites . . .