Inferior vena cava interruption

Interruption of the inferior vena cava was performed in 28 patients for treatment of deep venous thrombosis of pulmonary embolism during the years 1977-1982. The operative indications were failure of anticoagulation to prevent embolism (39%), contraindications to anticoagulation (21%), and complications arising from anticoagulation (11%). Additionally, eight (29%) patients thought to be at risk for deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism underwent inferior vena cava interruption in conjunction with an unrelated surgical procedure. Complete infrarenal ligation of the inferior vena cava was accomplished in 17 patients, the Miles clip was utilized in 7 patients, and the Mobin-Uddin umbrella was placed in 5 patients. There were three postoperative deaths, one with each of the interruption methods. No complications were reported in the surviving patients. A review of inferior vena cava interruption is presented.