Thrombosis at the site of interruption of the vena cava: a consideration in prophylactic treatment of pulmonary embolism.

This study confirms the method of Ratnoff in inducing the hypercoagulable state in dogs, and further demonstrates that there is a varying thrombogenic factor when the vena cava is interrupted by ligation, staple plication, suture plication, serrated clip, and a smooth clip. The incidence of thrombosis caused by ligation, staple plication and suture plication would suggest that these are not suitable methods for prophylactic use. That no thrombosis occurred with the smooth clip would suggest that as a prophylactic measure, the smooth clip may be preferable to a serrated clip.