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Blood clot filters are once again in the news as awareness spreads about the potential complications these devices can cause.
IVC filters, another name for blood clot filters, are placed in the inferior vena cava to prevent blood clots in patients who have recently undergone major surgery.
The IVC is the body’s largest vein, carrying blood from the lower part of the body back to the heart.
By preventing blood clots from forming, the risk of clots traveling to the lungs or heart is reduced, and the risk of a pulmonary embolism, a potentially fatal condition, may be avoided.
While the blood clot filters are meant to be used as a precautionary measure and help patients who have had surgeries such as a hip replacement or knee replacement, reports have surfaced about the devices fracturing, migrating, or puncturing the inferior vena cava.
Blood Clot Filter Surgery: Placement
A blood clot filter may be used if a patient cannot take an oral blood thinning medication, or if the patient is at risk for developing blood clots for some other reason.
Placing the filter requires surgery. A doctor (usually an interventional radiologist) makes a small incision in either the neck or the groin, and inserts a thin catheter into the inferior vena cava.
The blood clot filter is then placed through the catheter into the vein using imaging technology to ensure it is in the correct position. The catheter is removed and the incision is covered so it will begin to heal.
The blood clot filter itself looks like a small spider-like cage designed to trap the blood clots and keep them from traveling through the vein.
Blood Clot Filter Removal
The first IVC filters were designed to be permanent, however, there are now retrievable blood clot filters that are designed to be used on a temporary basis.
If the blood clot filter is placed temporarily, it should be removed when the risk for a blood clot has passed.
The blood clot filter removal procedure is similar to that of the placement. A catheter is inserted through the incision site, and a small hook is located at the end of a retrievable filter. The doctor engages the hook, and removes the filter from the body.
Blood Clot Filter Side Effects
Complications have been associated with blood clot filter use, including the very complication that the devices were designed to prevent.
Blood clot filter side effects include:
- Fracture of the filter, which can let blood clots through to the heart
- Device migration to other parts of the body
- Puncture of the inferior vena cava
- Device embolization, where pieces of the filter become detached
Blood Clot Filter Lawsuit Information
Due to the complications posed by blood clot filters, a number of lawsuits have been filed against various manufacturers alleging that IVC filter injuries could have been avoided if there were better warnings for the products.
If you have suffered from blood clot filter side effects, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your pain and suffering. An IVC filter attorney can review your case for free and can discuss your legal options with you.
In general, IVC filter lawsuits are filed individually by each plaintiff and are not class actions.
Do YOU have a legal claim? Fill out the form on this page now for a free, immediate, and confidential case evaluation. The attorneys who work with Top Class Actions will contact you if you qualify to let you know if an individual lawsuit or class action lawsuit is best for you. Hurry — statutes of limitations may apply.
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