Aim: To evaluate on a limited group of patients the value of retrievable Giinter Tulip Vena Cava Filter in the prevention of pulmonary embolism in patients with acute deep vein thrombosis before obstetric operations and to discuss the technical demands associated with its implantation and retrieval. Materials and methods: Giinter Tulip Vena Cava Filter is a stainless-steel half basket filtrr. It can be percutaneously introduced either via the femoral or the jugular vein through a lOF introducer sheath. The filtrr can be retrieved via the jugular approach using an 11F coaxial retrieval system after up to 12 days. The implantation of this type of filtrr as a retrievable one was indicated in four females who suddenly developed thrombosis of the pelvic veins shortly before an obstetric operation. Results: A vena caval filtrr was implanted suprarenally in all patients immediately before delivery by caesarean section. No embolus was seen on a control cavogram in the filtrr immediately before its planed retrieval in any patients. In all patients the Fiter was retrieved without complication, always on the twelfth day after implantation. Conclusion: Implantation of a retrievable Giinter Tulip Vena Cava Filter is indicated in pregnant women with acute deep vein thrombosis and with high risk of pulmonary embolism before a planned obstetric operation (caesarian section). The filtrr is easy to introduce and to recover.

        Key words: pulmonary embolism - deep vein thrombosis - pregnancy - anticoagulation therapy - caval filter - retrievable Fiter