Implanted in an estimated 250,000 patients each year, IVC filters are inserted into the veins of patients at risk for pulmonary embolism. However, reports of IVC filter complications have raised concerns about the safety of these devices.

Unfortunately, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that IVC filters made by C.R. Bard, Cook Medical and other manufacturers have been linked to thousands of reports of severe, potentially life-threatening IVC filter complications including filter fracture, device migration, infections, organ perforation and death.

IVC Filter Complications

There are four general categories of IVC filter complications that patients may experience: tilting, penetrating, fracturing and migrating. There can also be problems with implantation, which includes incomplete filter opening and filter misplacement.

Tilting IVC Filter Complications:  Generally, when an IVC filter moves sideways away from its vertical angle and leans in a somewhat horizontal angle, “tilting” complications can occur. Once that happens the stability of the filter is lost and the filter then becomes prone for fracture, further penetration and migration.

Penetration/Perforation IVC Filter Complications: Subsequent problems with IVC filters can be lethal. Specifically, these medical devices can puncture the vena cava wall and harm neighboring organs such as the aorta, duodenum and ureter. Due to the fact that many patients do not show current puncture-like symptoms, this event can be hard to diagnose even after a CT or angiogram .

Fracturing and Embolization IVC Filter Complications: One of the most serious complications vena cava filters experience is fracturing and embolization (detachment of device components). Fractured parts could end up in organs, tissue, arteries, veins, and subsequent or simultaneous puncturing of organs, arteries, and veins

Migrating IVC Filter Complications: When a vena cava filter migrates, it has moved from its intended implanted position to another part of the anatomy. Serious and even deadly complications could arise from such filter migration.

Filing an Lawsuit Over IVC Filter Complications

The FDA has warned about IVC filter complications for years as the result of receiving thousands of reports of adverse events, including life threatening hospitalizations and deaths.

On May 6, 2014, the FDA addressed physicians and clinicians with an update to their information on IVC filters by saying that if the patient’s risk for pulmonary embolism (a condition in which one or more arteries in the lungs become blocked by a blood clot) has passed, their recommendation is to remove the IVC filter between 29 and 54 days after it was originally implanted.

Various IVC lawsuits that have already been filed claim a variety of things including:

• negligence
• failure to warn of the dangers of the device
• manufacturing defects
• breach of implied warranty
• negligent misrepresentation

Did you or a family member develop complications after being implanted with an IVC filter? If so, you are not alone. Across the county, IVC filter lawsuits are being filed as the result of IVC filters migrating to other parts of the body, causing punctured organs and punctured blood vessels.

If this happened you or a family member, there’s a good chance you have a good case against C.R. Bard and Cook Medical.

Contact a specialized IVC filter attorney to discuss your legal options.  An IVC filter attorney can help you determine if filing an IVC filter lawsuit is in your best interest.