Surgery

Thrombectomy is surgical removal of the clot. Controversy surrounds the use of this treatment instead of anticoagulation. Thrombectomy is performed when a large blood clot is obstructing the vessels in the lung and the patient is in critical condition. Surgery is effective, and the results are immediate.

People who cannot take anticoagulant medication may undergo a placement of an umbrella-like device (filter), which is usually placed via the veins in the leg or neck, under local anesthesia.

• A small, metal, umbrella-like filter is inserted into the inferior/superior vena cava, the main large vein that carries blood back to the upper/lower body.
  
  
• This technique is performed in a hospital.
  
  
• The umbrella is designed to trap any clots that break loose from the veins of the lower body before they travel to the lung.

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