Use of two Greenfield caval filters to prevent recurrent pulmonary embolism in a heparin-allergic gravida.

Abstract

Maternal mortality may be reduced by prompt diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary embolism. A 25-year-old pregnant woman required a second Greenfield filter after developing a heparin allergy and recurrent pulmonary embolism. Heparin allergy has not been reported previously in pregnancy. A Greenfield filter may be used in this circumstance. Extension of the thrombus cephalad to the filter can cause recurrent emboli, so deployment of a second caval filter may be an effective remedy.