A man from Pennsylvania alleges he suffered serious device complications soon after his IVC (inferior vena cava) filter insertion and opted to file legal action against Cook Medical. The man alleges that due to the defective nature of the device, he experienced serious injury soon after the IVC filter insertion and has since been contending with a lesser quality of life.

Plaintiff Billy C. is joining a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL), joining other claims from patients alleging they also experienced problems soon after IVC filter insertion. According to the IVC filter lawsuit, Billy had the Cook Celect Vena Cava Filter implanted for typical treatment purposes and had no reason to believe he was at risk for serious device complications.

IVC filters are small metal cage-like devices that are directly implanted in the inferior vena cava, which is the largest vein in the human body and is a vital component of the circulation system. IVC filters work by stopping blood clots forming in the legs or pelvis, from traveling up to the heart or lungs.

By doing this, the IVC Filter prevents the onset of blood clot attack and is supposed to help prolong the patient’s life. With this unique treatment mechanism, patients often undergo IVC filter insertion because they cannot be prescribed anticoagulant treatment.

Without the risk of anticoagulant side effects, IVC filters are supposed to increase efficiency in the circulation system and lower chances of blood clots. With these benefits in mind, Billy underwent IVC filter insertion on May 27, 2014. However, not long after the procedure, Billy says he had begun experiencing serious device complications.

Overview of IVC Filter Complications

Cook Medical is one of several manufacturing companies that produce IVC filters, which were originally only meant for permanent placement. Years later temporary models for IVC filter insertion were released, so they could be removed at a later time.

However, it has been alleged that the temporary models were defectively made and were prone to breaking apart. The FDA warned the public against IVC filter complications in 2010, stating the agency had received 921 injury reports since 2005 including:

• 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 these complications were more likely in patients getting the IVC filter insertion for long term basis, and should be removed soon after the blood clot risks are resolved. The FDA released a later warning in May 2014, stating the device should be removed between 29 and 54 days after IVC filter insertion.

Billy opted to file legal action against Cook Medical, after discovering numerous other patients had reported similar device complications. At all times relevant, Billy says he and his physician were relying on the marketing materials and advertisement statements from Cook Medical and had no way of knowing of the potential device complications.

Billy states he would not have gotten the Cook Celect Vena Cava Filter implanted if he had known about the potential device complications. Billy’s IVC filter lawsuit is joining MDL No. 2570, where it will stand alongside other claims from patients alleging they experienced complications after IVC filter insertion.

This IVC Filter Insertion Lawsuit is Case No. 1:18-cv-01715-WTL-MPB, in the U.S. District Court of Southern Indiana, Indianapolis Division.