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Interruption of vena cava for prevention of pulmonary embolism (PE) was achieved in the past with surgical ligation or placement of clips outside the infrarenal vena cava. At present, this procedure is performed with percutaneous insertion of vena cava filters. Vena cava filters can be permanent or temporary, catheter-retrievable. ⋯ Vena cava filters represent an effective prevention of PE together with medical and surgical treatment. At present, problems of this procedure are not technical but rather concern correct indications. Interruption of vena cava is effective if planned within a global strategy for prevention of thromboembolism.