Prevention of pulmonary embolization during excision of an infected venous thrombus.

We describe the case of a 64-year-old woman with an iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm, arteriovenous fistula, and thrombotic occlusion of the right femoral vein with Staphylococcus aureus infection resistant to methicillin as complications of femoral catheterization for hemodialysis access. A temporary caval filter was introduced just prior to operation and kept in place for 4 days. An infected thrombus was captured and removed with a filter-catheter device. The placement of a temporary caval filter should be considered for prevention of pulmonary embolism in patients with infected venous thrombosis which requires surgical thrombectomy.