Abstract: A vena-cava filter features an inflatable balloon at or near the distal end of an elongate flexible multiple-lumen core or stem. The balloon is suitably configured in a preferred construction at or near the distal end of an elongate flexible multiple-lumen core. The balloon is suitably configured in a preferred embodiment for femoral-vein insertional installation; and in another embodiment the balloon is suitably configured for jugular-vein insertional installation. In both embodiments, the balloon is deflated prior to insertion; it is inflated to become a filter when properly positioned in the vein, and finally it is deflated for removal purposes. Installation may proceed pursuant to guide-wire techniques commonly used for catheter installation. Each of the indicated two embodiments is described for the case of additionally providing for injection of a tracer or a thrombolytic agent at a location in the vein at proximal (i.e., upstream) offset from the region of filter action.

Abstract: A method for therapeutically or prophylactically treating a diagnosed or potential deep-vein thrombosis involves intermittent application of tourniquet action to the leg at a location preferably close to the ankle, i.e., at the distal-calf region of the leg, in time-coordinated relation to artificially stimulated foot-pump action; the level of tourniquet action is such as to reduce the availability of superficial veins to carry the venous-return flow that is stimulated by foot-pump action, and the level of tourniquet action is also insufficient to materially affect access to deep-veins which are the primary target of therapeutic or prophylactic treatment.In a modification, the sequencing of tourniquet and foot-pump action is changed to enhance the priming of blood in the plantar veins of a foot which must remain elevated above the heart level of a patient confined to bed, whereby circulation can be more effectively stimulated by foot-pump action.