Cook Medical Inc. is facing a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL), consisting of product liability claims alleging serious blood clot filter problems. One of the most recent IVC (inferior vena cava) filter lawsuits was filed by a woman from Delaware, alleging she experienced serious blood clot filter problems soon after the device was implanted.

Plaintiff Renee K. is bringing legal action against Cook Medical, for allegedly failing to warn her and other patients of the potential blood clot filter problems they could experience due to the allegedly defective nature of their device.

Like many other patients, Renee says she had the Gunther Tulip Vena Cava Filter implanted for blood clot treatment and was assured that it was a safe and reliable product for this purpose.

IVC filters are small metal cage-like devices, which are directly implanted in the patient’s inferior vena cava. This is the largest vein in the human body and is a major component of the circulation system. IVC filters work by trapping blood clots forming in the legs or pelvis and prevents them from traveling to the lungs or heart, ultimately preventing stroke and pulmonary embolism.

IVC filters are often recommended for patients who cannot be prescribed anticoagulant medication. The FDA has previously warned that long term use of IVC filters can significantly increase the likelihood of blood clot filter problems, which compounds the patient’s condition. The agency says retrievable IVC filters should generally be removed between 29 to 54 days after the device is implanted.

Overview of Blood Clot Filter Problems

Renee reports she had the Gunther Tulip Vena Cava Filter implanted on June 15, 2006. However not long after the IVC filter was implanted, Renee says she experienced serious blood clot filter problems and is still contending with these complications.

Renee opted to file legal action against Cook Medical after discovering the company may have known about the risk of potential blood clot filter problems for years but did not disclose this information to the public.

The FDA first warned against blood clot filter problems in 2010, with the agency stating it had received 921 IVC filter injury reports since 2005 including:

• 328 events of IVC Filter Migration
• 146 events of IVC Filter Component Detachment
• 70 events of IVC Filter Perforation of Inferior Vena Cava
• 56 events of IVC Filter Fracture

During this warning, the FDA had also noted that long term use of IVC filters will increase the likelihood of blood clot filter problems.

The FDA stressed the importance of using retrievable IVC filters for short term solutions only, and that physicians should evaluate the risks and benefits of removing the IVC filter for each patient. The FDA released a later warning in May 2014, which specifically stated that retrievable IVC filters should be removed within a certain number of days after the blood clot is resolved.

Even though these blood clot filter problems can be devastating to patients, Cook Medical allegedly failed to Renee and other patients of these risk. Renee states should not have agreed to have the Gunther Tulip Vena Cava Filter implanted if she knew the risks of blood clot filter problems.

Renee’s blood clot filter problems lawsuit is joining MDL No. 2570, where it will stand alongside other claims alleging similar blood clot filter problems.

This IVC Filter Lawsuit is Case No. 1:18-cv-01697-RLY-MJD, in the U.S. District Court of Southern Indiana, Indianapolis Division.