Venous thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism are potentially fatal complications that could occur after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Prophylactic insertion of inferior vena cava filters prior to decannulation of prolonged indwelling ECMO catheters is a sound approach to lower the risk of these complications. We present the cases of two patients for whom inferior vena cava filter was prophylactically inserted prior to removal of ECMO catheter; details of the technique are described.