When blood thinning medications don’t work, those who are at risk for blood clots often turn to an inferior vena cava, or IVC, filter. However, bleeding from IVC filters can be a life-threatening complication.

What is an IVC Filter?

The major vein that transports blood from the lower part of the body back to the heart is called the inferior vena cava. If a patient is at high risk for blood clots because of an accident or a lower body surgery like a knee or hip replacement, sometimes recommended blood thinning medications are not an option.

If a patient cannot safely take blood thinners to reduce the risk of blood clots traveling to the heart or lungs, a physician might suggest implanting a filter into the inferior vena cava to catch any potential life-threatening blood clots from reaching the heart.

The IVC filter is a cage-like device that catches a clot and holds it in place until it disintegrates.

The FDA recommends that the filter be removed as soon as the patient is no longer in danger of life-threatening blood clots. This is because the longer an IVC filter is in place, the greater the risk of complications, including device migration and bleeding from IVC filters.

Many File IVC Filter Lawsuits

Many patients who claim to have been injured as a result of an inferior vena cava, or IVC, filter are filing lawsuits against the main manufacturer, C.R. Bard. Many of these claims state that the filters break and the metal pieces move throughout the body and damage organs.

This device migration can cause a patient to experience internal bleeding from IVC filters.

Plaintiffs in these lawsuits often allege that C.R. Bard concealed the results of their own research which found dangers with the filters and lied to get the approval of the Food and Drug Administration.

Bleeding from IVC Filters and Other Complications

Patients with IVC filters can suffer from different complications. The inferior vena cava filter can move out of place and then potentially break through the vein walls. As a result, an organ can be punctured or damaged and bleeding from IVC filters can occur.

Sometimes these metal shards actually reach the heart and can cause arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat. These shards can then tear the walls of the heart chamber.

In addition to bleeding from IVC filters, damage can also result in a condition called cardiac tamponade. Fluid like blood or pus leaks into the pericardium and alters the heartbeat.

There are many other injuries that can occur from IVC filters. These include chest or neck pain, nausea or lightheadedness, confusion, hypotension, shortness of breath and heart problems. More serious complications include death, pulmonary embolism, stroke or internal bleeding from IVC filters.

If you have experienced injuries or bleeding from IVC filters you may have a legal claim. An IVC filter lawyer can answer your questions and help you decide if a lawsuit may help you obtain compensation for your medical bills.