Numerous patients across America are raising serious questions over the safety of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters, and if the manufacturing companies properly disclosed all potential complications to the public.

According to an NBC News investigation, at least 27 deaths have been allegedly caused by the Recovery IVC filter in the last decade.

IVC filters are small metal cage like devices, which are then implanted directly into the body’s inferior vena cava.

As the biggest vein in the body, the inferior vena cava is crucial for the body’s circulation process.

These devices are implanted into patients, to trap and resolve blood clots forming in the legs or pelvis.

IVC filters are primarily prescribed to patients who cannot use anticoagulant treatment, with the device ultimately preventing blood clot attacks.

Patients can either have a permanent or temporary IVC filter model implanted, with the temporary models allegedly causing the vast majority of vein filter injuries.

The temporary IVC filter models are allegedly inferior to their permanent counterparts, resulting in IVC filter fracture and other vein filter injuries.

Overview of Bard’s Recovery Vein Filter Injuries

According to government data, approximately 300 non fatal vein filter injuries have been reported in C.R. Bard’s Recovery IVC filter alone.

For one of these patients, Dodi F., she had suffered IVC filter complications soon after having the device implanted.

She had the device implanted in a 2004 car accident, and had nearly died allegedly from the device soon after. Just after four months after the device was implanted, she had to be rushed to the hospital for emergency care.

Dodi stated that it was discovered a piece of the Recovery IVC filter had broken off and then perforated her heart. She ultimately had to have open heart surgery to remove the piece of the device.

Even though Bard’s Recovery IVC filter has caused numerous vein filter injuries, the company has taken measures to manage the “unfavorable press.”

One of these strategies was hiring public relations company Hill and Knowlton, to insure the company’s reputation does not further suffer.

In addition, Bard has also hired an outside doctor to conduct a confidential study to investigate vein filter injuries allegedly caused by the Recovery IVC filter.

After NBC News obtained the confidential study, the news agency found that the Recovery IVC filter had higher rates for serious vein filter injuries and death compared to its competitors.

Even though the number of IVC filter complication reports continued to go up, Bard did not replace the Recovery system with the modified version G2.

Numerous customers have complained that they had no notifications of these possible vein filter injuries, and that they never would have had the IVC filters implanted. Potential claimants may choose to contact a specialized lawyer to determine eligibility for an IVC filter lawsuit.