Therapeutic anticoagulation and vena caval filter placement-a false sense of security? A case report and literature review.

A 66-year-old male with a past medical history of colon cancer came for elective filter placement in the inferior vena cava and the superior vena cava following repeated venous thromboses. The patient was undergoing chronic anticoagulation and was bridged to surgery with intravenous heparin. Two days postoperative, just prior to the date of discharge, the patient was found tachycardic and, despite all precautions, was diagnosed with an acute pulmonary embolism.