Product liability attorneys are currently looking for potential plaintiffs to bring inferior vena cava filter lawsuits against medical device manufacturers.

Potential lawsuits brought against the medical device manufacturers may allege that the medical device was defective and patients did not receive adequate warnings about potential side effects.

What is an Inferior Vena Cava Filter?

An inferior vena cava filter is a medical device used by medical professionals to help with the prevention of potentially life threatening pulmonary embolisms. An inferior vena cava filter is a small cone-shaped device that is inserted just below a patent’s kidneys. The device is usually inserted by an interventional radiologist or a vascular surgeon into the patient’s inferior vena cava.

The inferior vena cava is the largest vein in the human body. It carries de-oxygenated blood from the lower leg back to the heart and lungs.

Medical professionals recommend the device to help control deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism when traditional anticoagulation therapies, like blood thinners, are not recommended for an individual patient.

The medical device captures blood clots and prevents the clots from traveling to the heart and/or lungs. Inferior vena cava filters were first used in 1979 and have gained popularity throughout the years. In 2012 over 250,000 filters were implanted in patients. Some inferior vena cava filters are removable while others are permanent.

Inferior Vena Cava Filter Complications

Unfortunately some patients who have had filters implanted have experienced inferior vena cava filter complications. Inferior vena cava filter complications include filter migration, inferior vena cava thrombosis, deep vein thrombosis, access site thrombosis, and inferior vena cava filter fracture. These complications can be life threatening and extremely dangerous.

Back in 2010 the US food and drug administration released a safety warning regarding inferior vena cava filters. In five years the US FDA had received over 900 adverse event reports regarding inferior vena cava filters. The adverse event reports regarded filter migration, perforation of the vein, and filter fractures.

The FDA cautions that inferior vena cava filters are only meant for temporary use and the device should be removed once the risk of pulmonary embolism subsides. In May 2014 the FDA updated its safety warning to suggest that IVC filter removal occur between 29 and 54 days after implantation.

IVC Filter Removal

IVC filter removal occurs in a similar manner to its implantation. A medical professional injects the patient with an X-ray dye which allows the doctor to determine whether the device can be safely removed. Then the medical professional uses a catheter type snare which goes into the vein and grabs the a hook located on the device. The filter is then sheathed and then pulled from the vein.

IVC Lawsuits

Deciding to bring a lawsuit is a big decision that should be made carefully after weighing all the facts and circumstances of each individual’s case. Plaintiffs who bring successful lawsuits may receive compensation for their pain, suffering, and past medical bills. Lawsuits brought against pharmaceutical device manufacturers can help hold the companies accountable to their consumers.