PREVENTION OF PULMONARY EMBOLIZATION DURING EXCISION OF AN INFECTED VENOUS THROMBUS

We describe the case of a 64-year-old woman with an iatrogenic pseudoa neurysm, arteriovenous fistula, and thrombotic occlusion of the right femoral vein with Staphylococcus aureus infection resistant to methici llin as complications of femoral catheterization for hemodialysis acce ss, A temporary caval filter was introduced just prior to operation an d kept in place for 4 days. An infected thrombus was captured and remo ved with a filter-catheter device. The placement of a temporary caval filter should be considered for prevention of pulmonary embolism in pa tients with infected venous thrombosis which requires surgical thrombe ctomy.