Cook Medical Inc. is facing a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL) consisting of IVC filter lawsuits alleging similar injuries including IVC filter long term complications.

One of the most recent claims was filed by an Ohio plaintiff couple, alleging the wife had experienced IVC filter long term complications. The couple alleges Cook Medical Inc. failed to warn them against potential IVC filter long term complications and is joining the MDL to stand alongside similar claims.

Plaintiff couple Genea S. and David S. filed their IVC filter lawsuit soon after Genea experienced problems from the Gunther Tulip Vena Cava Filter. Genea opted for the Gunther Tulip Vena Cava Filter soon after going over different options with her physician and reviewed Cook Medical’s marketing materials.

The Gunther Tulip Vena Cava was implanted on Jan. 20, 2012, with Genea experiencing IVC filter long term complications not long after. At all times relevant, Genea only used the Gunther Tulip Vena Cava filter for its intended purpose and did not deviate from physician instructions.

In addition, Genea alleged she had the IVC filter device implanted by a medical professional and had no reason to believe she was at risk for IVC filter long term complications.

Overview of IVC Filter Long Term Complications

IVC filters are small metal cage like devices that are directly implanted in the inferior vena cava, the largest vein in the body. These devices are often prescribed for patients who are at risk for blood clot events, but cannot be prescribed anticoagulant treatment.

These devices work by stopping blood clots that form in the legs or pelvis from traveling to the body’s heart and lungs. While these devices are meant to help increase the patient’s longevity, IVC filter long term complications may compound patients’ conditions.

Over the past several years, the FDA has released two warnings regarding IVC filters and stressed the dangers of using the devices on a long term basis. The agency stated that IVC filters are intended as temporary measures, and that physicians should evaluate the risks and benefits of these devices before prescribing them to patients.

The FDA released its first IVC filter warning in 2010, stating it had received 921 injury reports since 2005. The second injury report was released in May 2014, with the agency stating the IVC filter should be removed between 29 and 54 days after implantation.

According to the FDA, the most common IVC filter side effects indicated in injury reports include but are not limited to:

• IVC thrombosis
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Access site thrombosis
• Filter migration
• Caval penetration
• IVC filter fracture

There were no warnings on the product’s label and no specific post surgical care instructions, which would have alerted Genea to potential IVC filter side effects. Genea stated that she would not have opted for the Gunther Tulip Vena Cava filter if she knew the risks of IVC filter long term complications.

The IVC filter long term complications lawsuit is being filed in MDL No. 2570, where it will be streamlined through the litigation process.

This IVC Filter Long Term Complications Lawsuit is Case 1:17-cv-02389-SEB-MJD, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, Indianapolis Division.