The list of defective and dangerous medical devices continues to grow. News reports revealed that the Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filter has been linked to at least 30 deaths across the country and several hundred injuries. An IVC filter is designed to be permanent although they can be removed. It is a wire device implanted into the largest vein, the aforementioned inferior vena cava, in the body to help catch and prevent blood clots. The duty of this vein is to carry oxygen-depleted blood from the lower half of the body to the heart. IVC filters are commonly implanted in patients that are unable to utilize blood-thinning medications.
Unfortunately, these filters are working properly and causing serious health problems for many unsuspecting patients.
Side Effects and Complications Linked to IVC Filters
The following problems and complications reported by patients include:
- The filter can perforate the interior vena cava resulting in significant damage to a vital artery.
- Hemorrhagic pericardial effusion
- Lower-limb Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- If the filter moves or suddenly changes position, a portion can break off and go into the bloodstream or become stuck in a place where it is not designed to be which can cause organ damage.
- Chest pain; and other complications not listed here are also possible.
IVC Filter Safety Risks & the FDA
An estimated 900 reports of ‘adverse event’ have been reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with reports from patients involving IVC Filters. Which led to the agency issuing a safety communication which can be found here and outlines the agency’s recommendations for determining the risk vs. benefit to patients with an IVC filter.
IVC Filter Defects Highlighted in Studies
There have been numerous studies to confirm the possible serious health consequences to patients with an IVC filter. Including a study published by the Archives of Internal Medicine, found high rates of fracture and fragment embolization associated with the C.R. Bard IVC filters.
IVC Filter Lawsuits – Time to Take Action
If you or somebody you know was seriously harmed by a faulty IVC filter, contact an experienced law firm to assist in determining whether you have a case. To get more free legal info regarding IVC filters and IVC filter injury lawsuits, visit this page.
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