Another lawsuit has been filed against C.R. Bard alleging that their G2 IVC filter device caused permanent injuries.

Plaintiff Ava L., a Missouri resident, said that she had an IVC filter implanted to prevent a pulmonary embolism. The Bard IVC filter fractured, then became dislodged from its implanted location and traveled to her back.

This caused Ava severe pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life and permanent disability, among other damages, according to the IVC filter lawsuit.

Ava brings forth claims of negligence, defective design, failure to warn, manufacturing defect, fraud, breach of warranty and loss of consortium (companionship) with her husband. She is seeking both punitive and compensatory damages as a result of her injuries.

What is an IVC Filter?

An IVC filter is a medical device that is surgically implanted in the inferior vena cava, a large vein that carries blood from the lower body back to the heart. The device itself looks like a spider with a body and several leg-like projections.

The leg-like projections allow blood to pass through but catch blood clots so they are not sent to the upper body. These blood clots, depending on where they are located and where they travel to, can cause severe or fatal results. In general, IVC filters are used in individuals with the following conditions:

• Blood clotting issues who cannot take or who do not respond to oral anticoagulant medications.
• Deep venous thrombosis (blood clots that form in deep veins in the leg or pelvis, also known as DVT)
• At risk for pulmonary embolism, where the blood clot can travel to the lung
• History of strokes
• Undergoing hip replacement or knee replacement surgery who may be at risk for developing clots

Inferior Vena Cava Complications

Several issues have been found to happen as a result of complications from IVC filter placement. There are several ways the devices can fail and cause other issues, including:

• Filter fracture, many times from one of the leg-like projections breaking apart from the rest of the body with pieces traveling through the body and causing problems elsewhere.
• Entire filter dislodges and travels to another location in the body
• Projections can puncture the aorta or duodenum
• Filter may tilt, making it less effective or even useless

IVC Filter Lawsuit Information

Many lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers of various IVC filters, and most of them allege the design of the device was defective. Not only do people filing IVC filter lawsuits hope to recover some of the personal damages they have sustained, they also want to help protect other consumers from the issues they have faced.

When manufacturers are faced with multiple complaints and lawsuits, they may feel increased pressure to improve the safety and efficacy of their products.

If you or a loved one has suffered from IVC filter complications that have caused further injury, you may be entitled to legal compensation. An IVC filter lawyer will review your case at no charge and can assist you in determining your legal options.

The Bard IVC Filter Lawsuit is Case No. 4:15-cv-01749, U.S. District Court, Easter District of Missouri.