The development of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a daily concern for physicians who care for critically ill patients. Diagnosing PE is challenging in the intensive care unit (ICU) because signs and symptoms are nonspecific. In greater than two-thirds of patients, acute PE occurs prior to the diagnosis of DVT. Subsequently, much emphasis on this disease process focuses on prophylaxis and prevention rather than treatment. Mechanical prophylaxis with graded compression stockings and pharmacologic anticoagulation with heparin, low molecular weight heparin, and warfarin remain the mainstays of prevention and treatment. However, there are patient populations that are at high risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) who are candidates for the placement of vena cava filters (VCFs).1