CONTROL OF PULMONARY EMBOLI BY INFERIOR VENA CAVA LIGATION

8 September 1951

journal article
research article
Published by American Medical Association (AMA) in JAMA

Vol. 147 (2) , 126-127
https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.1951.73670190005006c

Abstract

Indications for a vena cava ligation to prevent thromboembolism are few, but when these conditions exist, the results of this type of surgery are dramatic and life-saving. It is my belief that once a clot large enough to occlude the pulmonary artery is present in a vein, a mechanical block between that clot and lung should not be delayed.¹It is admitted that anticoagulants may prevent propagation of clots, but, in the light of our present knowledge, we do not know such therapy can dissolve a clot which has already been formed.²If a clot is present, therefore, in the large vessels, i. e., the upper femorals, iliac veins, or vena cava, only by a physicial block in the pathway of clot movement can possible death be prevented. This type of therapy is not used alone or to the exclusion of anticoagulants — anticoagulant therapy is always used

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