WARNING: Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters have been linked to serious, potentially fatal side effects.
Due to the fact that several manufacturers of IVC filters failed repeatedly to inform patients of these risks, many IVC filter lawsuits have been filed, and an IVC filter multidistrict litigation (MDL) has been created.
If you used an IVC filter and suffered IVC filter migration, IVC filter perforation, or another IVC filter side effects, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation for your injury. For a free case consultation, contact our team of IVC filter attorneys today.
(855) 452-5529 justinian@dangerousdrugs.us
What Are IVC Filters?
IVC Filters are small, metal filters inserted into a vein to catch blood clots before they reach the lungs, causing pulmonary embolism, a potentially fatal event. More specifically, as a 2010 article in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews explains, “Inferior vena caval filters [(IVC filters)] are metal alloy devices that mechanically trap fragmented thromboemboli from the deep leg veins en route to the pulmonary circulation.”
These filters are “designed to be introduced (and in the case of retrievable filters, removed) percutaneously” – under the skin. And, over the past decade or so, a great number of reports have been published illustrating risks related to long terms use of these medical devices.
Why Are IVC Filters Dangerous?
In 2010, the US Food and Drug Administration wrote “Since 2005, the FDA has received 921 device adverse event reports involving IVC filters, of which 328 involved device migration, 146 involved embolizations (detachment of device components), 70 involved perforation of the IVC, and 56 involved filter fracture. Some of these events led to adverse clinical outcomes in patients. These types of events may be related to a retrievable filter remaining in the body for long periods of time, beyond the time when the risk of pulmonary embolism (PE) has subsided.
The FDA is concerned that these retrievable IVC filters, intended for short-term placement, are not always removed once a patient’s risk for PE subsides. Known long term risks associated with IVC filters include but are not limited to lower limb deep vein thrombosis (DVT), filter fracture, filter migration, filter embolization and IVC perforation.” (emphasis added)
This means IVC filters can cause blood clots, migrate to areas they weren’t meant to be – potentially causing a variety of problems requiring surgery to correct, break up and possibly send particles into the bloodstream, as well as puncture the lining of the inferior vena cava. Medpage Today, a prominent health news and commentary website, explains that this is not uncommon.
IVC Filter Lawsuits
Because of all this risk and allegations that IVC filter manufacturers knew and failed to act, several multidistrict litigation (MDL) IVC filter lawsuits are currently pending in the United States. In an MDL against Cook Medical, Inc., a federal court will rule on “allegations that defects in the design of Cook’s inferior vena cava (“IVC”) filters makes them more likely to fracture, migrate, tilt, or perforate the inferior vena cava, causing injury.” That US Court (Southern District of Indiana) will also determine if Cook knew its filters were so dangerous, and if the company provided adequate warning therein and instruction for proper, safe use.
Multidistrict litigation is also pending against CR Bard, another IVC filter manufacturer. As results of this MDL unfold, we’ll update you here at Dangerous Drugs with everything you need to know.
If you or a loved one used an IVC filter and suffered IVC perforation, IVC migration, IVC embolism, or another adverse IVC side effect, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation through an IVC filter lawsuit.
For a free, no-obligation case consultation, contact our team of IVC lawyers at Justinian PLLC. We have the experience, resources, and compassion required to win the justice you deserve.
(855) 452 – 5529
justinian@dangerousdrugs.us
For more information, click here to see other posts on IVC filters.