The late mortality in 167 patients who had Greenfield vena caval filters inserted after episodes of acute pulmonary embolism is reported. The mean follow-up period of the survivors was 42 months; the mean survival time of the 48% who died was 9.3 months. The mortality rate in 50 comparable patients who did not have pulmonary embolism but had prophylactic filter insertion was 52% with a mean survival time of 9.4 months. The mean follow-up period of the survivors was 28 months. Age, mean pulmonary artery pressure, and severity of the initial embolic episode did not predict the increased rate of late mortality. We conclude that for patients who survive acute pulmonary embolism and have treatment to prevent recurrence, the embolic history of thromboembolism has little impact on late mortality, which is determined by their preexisting serious medical conditions.