Technical aspects of insertion and removal of an inferior vena cava IVC filter for prophylactic treatment of pulmonary embolus.

We report the successful insertion and subsequent retrieval of a Gunther-Tulip vena cava filter in a patient with an anomalous left-sided inferior vena cava, who developed a right ilio-femoral venous thrombosis prior to planned surgical resection of a right femoral osteosarcoma. The indication was for short-term prophylaxis against pulmonary embolism during manipulative leg surgery.