C.R. Bard faces a new IVC filter damage lawsuit filed by a Georgia woman alleging she suffered severe side effects following implantation of the company’s G2 Vena Cava Filter.

Plaintiff Brenda W. filed the IVC filter damage lawsuit, joining a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL) filed against the company. Brenda filed the lawsuit demanding a trial by jury. The lawsuit was filed in June in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona.

According to the IVC filter damage lawsuit, Brenda became implanted with the device on April 28, 2006. However, she alleges suffered from IVC filter perforation of the inferior vena cava wall and filter tilt.

The IVC filter damage lawsuit was filed on multiple counts including manufacturing defect, failure to warn, design defect, negligence negligent misrepresentation, negligence per se, breach of express warranty, breach of implied warranty, fraudulent misrepresentation, fraudulent concealment, violations of Georgia law prohibiting consumer fraud and unfair and deceptive trade practices, and punitive damages.

Overview: IVC Filter Damage

The IVC filter damage lawsuit was filed through a short form master complaint and does not specifically include the complications that Brenda may have allegedly suffered due to implantation of the IVC filter.

The G2 IVC filter becomes implanted within the inferior vena cava to filter the body’s bloodstream of blood clots.

The inferior vena cava is the main vein located in the body that returns deoxygenated blood back to the heart for replenishment. It helps prevent conditions known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). DVT occurs when a blood clot travels from the body’s lower extremity up towards the upper extremity and a blood clot migrating up towards the lungs is known as a PE.

There are currently thousands of claims being filed against C.R. Bard claiming that their IVC filters cause serious injuries and complications. Lawsuits allege that Bard likely knew or at lead should have known of the risks of IVC filter damage involved prior to the device’s introduction to the market.

Company reports reveal that Bard was worried about adverse side effects linked to the G2 series, but decided to keep the device on the market for five additional years. Bard finally removed the G2 series in 2010.

Bard IVC filter damage can include metallosis, the condition involving the disposition and build-up of metal debris in the soft tissues of the body. Metal debris may also become stuck in a patient’s heart or lungs causing a whole slew of further adverse effects. Other serious injuries also include device migration, filter fracture, device infection, and perforated organs. Signs of a defective or damaged IVC filter may include shortness of breath, nausea, heart rhythm problems, lightheadedness, hypertension, stroke, and severe chest pain.

The IVC Filter Damage Lawsuit is Case No. 2:18-cv-01731-DGC, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona. The BARD IVC Filter MDL is in re: Bard IVC Filters Products Liability Litigation, MDL no. 2:15-MD-02641-DGC, in the U.S. District of Arizona.