Thrombophlebitis and pulmonary embolism with surgical intervention in the third trimester.

A case of acute deep vein thrombophlebitis and pulmonary embolism in late gestation has been presented with a discussion of diagnostic modalities, therapeutic regimens, and theoretical considerations. It is our belief that aggressive medical management is best accomplished by giving heparin intravenously as the primary anticoagulant. When medical management is best accomplished by giving heparin intravenously as the primary anticoagulant. When medical management is not effective or if embolism occurs, surgical intervention, consisting of vena caval clipping and ovarian vein ligation with scrupulous attention to detail, is indicated. Further, support to prophylaxis of abruptio placenta secondary to the mechanism espoused by Mengert et al is added by the course of this patient.