IVC filters are being increasingly linked with serious complications. IVC filter patients have reported a number of serious complications, and some have responded by filing lawsuits against IVC filter manufacturers.

If you have been implanted with an IVC filter device, you may be able to talk to an IVC filter lawyer and qualify for compensation.

Basics of IVC Filters

Blood clotting is a serious issue for many, causing problems like chest pain, difficulty breathing, pulmonary embolism, or even a heart attack. Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are a popular method of treating blood clots.

IVC filter devices are small and cage like, and are placed in the largest vein (the inferior vena cava) to prevent blood clots from traveling to important organs like the heart or lungs. A number of different manufacturers make IVC filters.

Another popular method of clot prevention treatment is a blood thinner, or anticoagulant, used to prevent the formation of blood clots. While blood thinners are extremely popular, IVC filters are also a widespread method of blood clot prevention—for some, anticoagulants are too dangerous, and others simply prefer the simple filter device. In fact, nearly a quarter of a million patients are implanted with IVC filter devices each year.

IVC Filter Side Effects

However, despite the widespread use of these devices, IVC filters have become increasingly linked with serious or even fatal complications. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a safety warning over IVC filter complications in 2010, after receiving hundreds of adverse event reports regarding the device. Serious IVC filter side effects include the following:

• IVC thrombosis
• Deep Vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Access site thrombosis
• Vein perforation
• Organ perforation
• Device migration/breakage
• Pulmonary embolism
• IVC filter fracture

Some who have suffered from these side effects have chosen to consult an IVC filter lawyer to see if they are eligible for compensation.

Filing an IVC Filter Lawsuit

IVC filters are not meant to remain in the body.  A growing number of patients who have experienced serious IVC filter removal side effects are responding by filing lawsuits against manufacturers of their device. Plaintiffs allege that the filters are not worth the risk, and that they were not adequately warned about the risk of use.

Consulting an IVC filter attorney can help you to figure out your eligibility for joining an investigation or to seek compensation.

The current investigation is looking for anyone who has been implanted with an IVC filter, regardless of whether or not the device has led to complications. While resulting complications aren’t necessary to be involved in the IVC filter investigation, patients who have suffered from side effects may be entitled to significantly more compensation.

Filing an IVC filter lawsuit cannot repair the damage a patient suffers, but can help compensate for financial losses caused by medical expenses and lost wages a patient may experience. If you or someone you know has been implanted with an inferior vena cava filter and suffered from side effects such as perforation, you may be able to file a lawsuit.