Cook Medical Inc. is facing a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL), consisting of product liability claims involving the Cook Celect IVC filter. One of the most recent claims was filed by a man from Texas, alleging he had suffered IVC filter complications from the Cook Celect IVC filter.

Plaintiff James W. claims the manufacturer failed to warn him against the allegedly defective nature of the Cook Celect IVC filter, compounding his medical condition. Like millions of other patients, James says he needed to have the Cook Celect IVC filter implanted to resolve potential blood clot complications.

IVC filters are small metal cage like devices directly implanted into the body’s inferior vena cava (IVC). The inferior vena cava is the largest vein in the human body and is a vital component of the body’s circulation system.

When the risk of blood clots in the legs or pelvis are discovered, the IVC filter is then implanted and prevents the clots from traveling to the heart or lungs. It is important to note that the FDA emphasizes the importance of the product’s temporary nature, and that the device should be removed after the blood clot risk is resolved.

With this treatment mechanism, IVC filters are good alternatives for patients who cannot be prescribed anticoagulant treatment. Cook Medical and a number of other manufacturers have released different IVC filters over the years, giving patients a wide variety to choose from.

According to the IVC filter lawsuit, Cook Medical marketed the Cook Celect IVC filter as a safe and reliable product for patients who cannot be prescribed anticoagulants. This gave James no reason to be wary of serious side effects, he claims.

With these benefits in mind, James says he had the Cook Celect IVC filter implanted on March 1, 2009, and had followed all post procedure recovery instructions. However, James still reportedly suffered serious IVC filter complications and has since been contending with his serious medical condition.

James says he opted to file legal action after discovering the numerous advisory warnings from the FDA about the Cook Celect IVC filter.

Overview of IVC Filter Complications

The FDA first warned against IVC filter complications in 2010, with the agency stating it 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 of the Inferior Vena Cava
• 56 reports of IVC Filter Fracture

In this warning, the FDA stated these IVC filter complications were linked to long term use and stressed that IVC filters were only meant as a temporary treatment measure. The FDA released a later warning in May 2014 stating that IVC filters should be removed between 29 and 54 days after implantation.

Even though long term IVC filter complications can be devastating to patients, Cook Medical allegedly failed to warn the general public. James states he would not have agreed to have the Cook Celect IVC filter implanted if he knew the potential long term risks.

James’s IVC filter lawsuit is joining MDL No. 2570, where it will stand alongside other claims alleging similar injuries from the Cook Celect IVC filter.

This IVC Filter Lawsuit is Case No. 1:18-cv-02212-WTL-DML, in the U.S. District Court of Southern Indiana, Indianapolis Division.