Thromboembolism after insertion of the Mobin-Uddin caval filter.

The occurrence, in one patient, of a life-threatening pulmonary embolus 3 days following insertion of a Mobin-Uddin umbrella filter promoted a review of our experience with this device. Over the past 5 years, 41 patients had umbrella filters inserted at the Beth Israel Hospital. Five patients (12%) had proven or probable pulmonary embolization following filer placement. In four of the seven autopsied patients, thrombus was found on the cardiac side of the umbrella, and in one of these patients a fresh embolus was also found in the pulmonary artery. We conclude that the standard (nonheparin-impregnated) Mobin-Uddin umbrella device offers incomplete protection against pumonary embolization in patients who cannot concurrently receive anticoagulant drugs.