C.R. Bard is facing a new IVC filter lawsuit from a Tennessee woman alleging complications linked to inferior vena cava filter failure. The woman filed legal action against the company because she allegedly experienced inferior vena cava filter failure soon after having the device implanted into the inferior vena cava (IVC).

As the largest vein in the human body, the inferior vena cava plays a vital role in the patient’s circulation system. IVC filters are often prescribed to patients who cannot be prescribed anticoagulant treatment as an alternative treatment to resolve blood clots and prevent blood clot attacks.

Patients can either opt for permanent or retrievable IVC filter models, but the temporary models have been linked to increased risk of inferior vena cava filter failure. Plaintiff Sharon M. is filing this IVC filter lawsuit alleging C.R. Bard failed to warn her against inferior vena cava filter failure and other potential IVC filter injuries.

After opting to get one of the company’s retrievable IVC filters implanted, Sharon says she experienced uncomfortable side effects soon after. It was discovered in March 2016 that the IVC filter had migrated out of place, and was posing potentially fatal risks to Sharon’s life.

In March 2016, Sharon had underwent to revision surgery to have the IVC filter removed. Sharon alleges she has since had to contend with post surgical treatment, and she has filed legal action against the manufacturer for failing to warn her against inferior vena cava filter failure.

Overview of IVC Filter Complications

IVC filters are small metal cage-like devices which are directly implanted into the body’s inferior vena cava vein. These devices are designed to trap blood clots forming in the legs and pelvis and prevent them from traveling to the heart and lungs.

IVC filters are also designed to have blood clots resolve themselves, making these devices an ideal choice for patients who cannot use blood thinners. However, it has been alleged that reversible IVC filters are defectively made with inferior parts and are prone to inferior vena cava filter failure.

Injury reports indicate a number of complications can occur from inferior vena cava filter failure including: IVC filter thrombosis, IVC filter perforation and migration, and IVC filter fracture. The FDA issued a public safety warning regarding IVC filter complications in 2010 stating the agency had received 921 IVC injury reports from 2005 to 2010.

The FDA stated that these IVC filter complications could be linked to long-term use of the reversible models. The agency recommends removal of these temporary filters as soon as the risk of blood clot injury has passed.

Even though inferior vena cava filter failure can be potentially devastating to patients, C.R. Bard allegedly failed to warn Sharon and other patients against this possibility. Sharon states that she would not have opted for Bard’s IVC filter if she had known of the possibility of inferior vena cava filter failure.

This IVC Filter Lawsuit is Case No. 17C324, in the Circuit Court of Hamilton County in the state of Tennessee.