Cook Medical Inc. is facing a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL), consisting of product liability claims from patients alleging they suffered complications of IVC filter devices.

One of the most recent claims to join this MDL was filed by a woman from Tennessee, who says she suffered complications of IVC filter use soon after the device was implanted.

Plaintiff Julie C. alleges Cook Medical failed to warn her about the potential complications of IVC filter use when it was supposed to provide a safe alternative to anticoagulant treatment.

IVC (inferior vena cava) filters are small metal cage like devices with multiple prongs. The device is directly implanted into the inferior vena cava, the largest vein in the human body.

IVC filters work by stopping blood clots that form in the legs or pelvis and prevents them from traveling to the heart or lungs. This prevents potentially fatal blood clot attacks, making them good choices for at risk patients who cannot be prescribed anticoagulant treatment.

The Gunther Tulip Vena Cava Filter is one of several IVC filters available for patients to choose from, with Cook Medical marketing the device as a safe and reasonable choice.

Overview of IVC Filter Complications

With these benefits in mind, Julie says she agreed to have the Gunther Tulip Vena Cava Filter implanted and underwent the procedure on Feb. 10, 2005. However, not long after the procedure, Julie reportedly experienced complications of IVC filter use that caused her chronic health problems.

According to the IVC filter lawsuit, the Gunther Tulip Vena Cava Filter had perforated and migrated away from the implant site and had also fractured inside her body.

These complications of IVC filter use had reportedly caused Julie to experience extreme pain and suffering, with one of the device prongs allegedly breaking off from the device and perforating her right kidney. Julie also says she has had to undergo several medical procedures to fix problems and will most likely have to contend with the long term health problems.

Julie opted to file legal action against Cook Medical, after discovering the FDA had released multiple warnings regarding complications of IVC filter use. The FDA had released its first IVC filter warning in 2010, with the agency stating it had received 921 injury reports since 2005 that consisted of:

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

The FDA stated that complications of IVC filter use were more likely if patients used the devices on a long term basis and that the device should be removed after the blood clot risk is resolved. The FDA released a later warning in May 2014, stating that the IVC filter should be removed between 29 to 54 days after implantation.

Even though these IVC filter complications can be devastating to patients, litigants claim Cook Medical allegedly failed to disclose this information to the general public.

Julie states she would not have agreed to have the Gunther Tulip Vena Cava Filter implanted if she had known about the potential device complications. Julie’s IVC filter lawsuit is joining MDL No. 2570, where it will stand alongside other claims alleging similar complications from IVC filter use.

This IVC Filter Lawsuit is Case No. 1:18-cv-01992-RLY-DML, in the U.S. District Court of Southern Indiana, Indianapolis Division.