Medical device company C.R. Bard is facing a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL), with many claims describing serious IVC blood clot filter complications. One of the most recent IVC filter lawsuits comes from a Florida woman, alleging she experienced IVC blood clot filter complications and that the device had worsened her medical condition.

Plaintiff Alexandra D. alleges IVC blood clot filter complications in her IVC filter lawsuit, claiming the defective nature of the G2 Vena Cava Filter had caused the problems. Alexandra also alleges the company failed to warn her or her physician against these potential IVC blood clot filter complications.

According to her IVC filter lawsuit, Alexandra had the device implanted on May 6, 2010 for typical treatment purposes. IVC (inferior vena cava) filters are meant to be implanted directly in the body’s inferior vena cava, the largest vein in the human body, to prevent blood clot injuries like stroke or pulmonary embolism.

IVC filters are small metal cage like devices that are designed to trap blood clots forming in the legs or pelvis, and prevent them from traveling to the heart and lungs. IVC filters are often prescribed to patients who are at risk for blood clot attacks but who cannot be prescribed anticoagulant treatment.

These medical devices are supposed to prevent blood clot injuries, but they have been alleged to cause serious health complications instead for many patients. Alexandra is one of these patients who has had to contend with IVC filter blood clot problems, since the device allegedly failed after implantation.

Overview of IVC Blood Clot Filter Complications

There have been safety concerns regarding IVC filters for years, with many concerned over the device’s safety profile and overall effectiveness. The blood clot filter complications have been primarily reported with retrievable IVC filters, which are meant to be removed at a later time.

According to the FDA, problems are more likely to arise if these retrievable filters are left in place longer than is medically necessary. There have been several warnings released by the FDA regarding IVC blood clot filter complications, with the first announced in August 2010.

According to the warning, there have been over 921 injury reports of IVC blood clot filter complications submitted between 2005 to August 2010 including:

• 328 reports of IVC Filter Migration
• 146 reports of IVC Filter Embolization or Device Component Detachment
• 70 reports of Vena Cava Perforation
• 56 reports of IVC Filter fractures

The FDA released a later warning May 2014, stating the blood clot filters should be removed after the blood clot risks are resolved.

Even though manufacturing companies allegedly knew about the defective nature of the devices, they allegedly failed to warn the public about that risk. Alexandra is filing her IVC filter lawsuit in multidistrict litigation No. 2641, in which it will stand alongside other claims alleging similar IVC blood clot filter complications.

Alexandra states that she never would have opted for the G2 Vena Cava device if she knew about the potential IVC blood clot filter complications. By joining the MDL, Alexandra will avoid issues like duplicate evidence and conflicting rulings from different judges.

This IVC Filter Lawsuit is Case No. 2:17-cv-03069-DGC, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona.