Indications for and Results of Inferior Vena Caval Ligation for Thromboembolic Disease

Abstract

Indications for venous ligation in the treatment of thromboembolic disease are limited to two types of cases, phlebothrombosis and suppurative thrombophlebitis. Although ligation of the superficial femoral veins is satisfactory in many instances, there is increasing evidence that ligation of the inferior vena cava is often preferable. Indications for this procedure are discussed, the technic is described, and results in 117 cases are evaluated.