Preventing pulmonary embolism using venous caval filter in elderly patients

A survey of the venous caval filter implantations is presented, carried out during the last 10 years at the Modena Institute of Surgical Pathologies. Out of a total of 92 cases, 49 patients were older than 65 years (on average 72.95 years). The complication-free surgical procedures and the low number of minor complications having occurred during the follow up of 1 to 10 years suggest a more extensive use of the caval filters in elderly patients.