Prophylaxis for pulmonary embolism is now being carried out more frequently. The surgical procedures employed range from total ligation to diverse methods of partial interruption of the inferior vena cava by such techniques as suture plication, staplers, and external plastic clips. All these procedures have proved to be effective, yet significant differences in morbidity succeed them. Partial interruption is considered preferable to total ligation. The application of clips across the vena cava has significant advantages. Our clinical and experimental experience with a modified Teflon clip forms the basis for this report.
Materials and Methods
The clip, a modified version of that of Adams-DeWeese, is made of Teflon. Initially we used the Adams-DeWeese clip, but it twisted when placed across the vena cava groove. We modified the clip, therefore, curving it to fit the contour of the groove and smoothing the edges to avoid sharp angles at its juncture with the