Numerous patients have opted to file legal action against Cook Medical Inc., alleging they experienced problems with the Gunther Tulip IVC filter.

One of the most recent claims over the Gunther Tulip IVC filter was filed by a man from Alabama, claiming Cook Medical had failed to warn him against the allegedly defective nature of their product.

Plaintiff Frederick T. is joining a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL), where his IVC filter lawsuit is joining other claims alleging serious complications from the Gunther Tulip IVC filter. Like many other patients, Frederick had the Gunther Tulip IVC filter implanted in his inferior vena cava (IVC) for blood clot prevention.

The inferior vena cava is the largest vein in the human body, and is a vital part of the body’s circulation process. IVC filters are small metal cage-like devices that are designed to stop and resolve blood clots forming in the legs and pelvis from traveling to the heart or lungs.

The Gunther Tulip IVC filter and other IVC filters are typically prescribed to patients who cannot handle anticoagulant medication. With these benefits in mind, Frederick had agreed to have the Gunther Tulip Vena Cava filter implanted on Sept. 15, 2008.

However, Frederick alleges that he experienced serious device complications not long after insertion and has been forced to contend with his compromised health. Frederick opted to file legal action Cook Medical after discovering other patients had also allegedly suffered similar experiences from the Gunther Tulip IVC filter.

Overview of IVC Filter Complications

IVC filter complications have been of concern to the medical community and patient population for the past several years, with the FDA warning against them in 2010.

During that year, the FDA issued a public warning regarding IVC Filter complications that stated the agency had received 921 injury reports since 2005. These IVC filter injury reports consisted of:

• 328 IVC Filter Migration
• 146 IVC Filter Component Detachment
• 70 IVC Filter Perforation
• 56 IVC Filter Fracture

The FDA released a later warning in May 2014 which stated that IVC filters should be removed between 29 to 54 days after implantation. In both warnings, the FDA stressed that IVC filters are only meant for short term treatment.

Even though IVC filter complications can be devastating to patients, Cook Medical allegedly failed to disclose these potential Gunther Tulip IVC filter problems to the public. At all times relevant, Frederick and his physician allegedly relied on the marketing materials and product information provided by Cook Medical.

Frederick states that if he had known about the potential IVC filter complications, then he would not have agreed to have the Gunther Tulip IVC filter implanted.

This IVC filter lawsuit is joining MDL No. 2570, where it will be streamlined through the litigation process and avoid potential problems like conflicting rulings from different judges. Frederick is seeking a multitude of damages from Cook Medical, including counts of negligence and failure to warn.

This IVC Filter Lawsuit is Case No. 1:18-cv-02810-WTL-TAB, in the U.S. District Court of Southern Indiana, Indianapolis Division.