IVC blood clot filters are medical devices used in lieu of oral anticoagulant medications to prevent blood clots in susceptible individuals.

While these devices are helpful for some populations who might not otherwise be able to undergo preventative treatment for blood clots, sometimes the use of IVC blood filters come with unintended consequences.

What Are IVC Blood Clot Filters?

An IVC blood clot filter is a small, cage-like device that is placed in a patient’s veins in order to stop any potential blood clots from traveling to the heart and lungs where they can cause severe events such as heart attack, stroke and pulmonary embolism.

These blood clot filters work by trapping the blood clot and preventing it from traveling through the vein to other parts of the body. Eventually, the body dissolves the trapped blood clot and the risk for additional health issues is reduced.

Blood clot filters are used with patients who cannot tolerate oral anticoagulant medications and are also used during major surgeries, such as knee replacement surgery or hip replacement surgery.

Bariatric Surgery Patients Face Greater Risk of Blood Clot Filter Complications

A particular group of patients who may have complications from the use of IVC blood clot filters are those who are undergoing bariatric weight loss surgery.

A study conducted by Johns Hopkins university found that temporary placement of blood clot filters to stop blood clots from traveling to the lungs both during and after bariatric weight loss surgery was linked to an increase of the risk of death in patients who were morbidly obese.

The study published in JAMA Surgery said that there was more risk associated with the use of blood clot filters as opposed to other typical methods of blood clot prevention, including the use of blood thinners, having patients walk shortly after the surgery is completed and the use of leg compression devices.

“If you’re undergoing minimally invasive bariatric surgery, receive standard doses of blood thinners and get up and about as soon as possible after your operation, the chances of getting a blood clot are low,” Dr. Daniel J. Brotman stated. “And the evidence suggests that use of filters may do more harm than good.”

Overall, Brotman stated, “If filters helped, we could find no evidence of that. The data suggest more patients are harmed then benefit from these devices.”

Complications Arising From the Use of Blood Clot Filters

Initially, blood clot filters were intended to be retrievable, but other models were introduced that allowed their placement to be permanent. However, with the permanent nature of the filters, the longer they are inside a patient’s body, the more problems that are potentially caused by their insertion.

A number of complications have resulted from the placement of IVC filters including:

• Fracture of the filter
• Migration of the filter to another part of the body
• Tilting of the filter, rendering it less effective or even useless
• Filter breakage, and migration of the broken piece
• Organ perforation

These factors are reduced when the filter is removed (after the risk of blood clots in the patient is reduced). Sometimes, however, removing the filter may cause harm or damage in itself, especially if the filter is at risk of puncturing the patient’s organs or blood vessels.

If you, or someone you love, has been injured by an IVC filter complication, you may be able to join an IVC blood clot filter lawsuit investigation. A specialized lawyer can help you decide if you have legal recourse.