A New York woman recently filed a lawsuit against pharmaceutical giant Bard, alleging serious vena cava filter side effects.

The plaintiff, Anna S., says she underwent surgery on March 8, 2009, and was implanted with an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter from Bard. The specific device used in her surgery is the Bard G2 Filter System, she says.

However, her lawsuit claims, this vena cava filter system has a “high rate of perforation, fracture, migration and excessive tilting in the vena cava.” Indeed, Anna alleges that her vena cava device has failed, placing her at risk of even more severe vena cava filter side effects like internal bleeding and death. Because of these side effects, Anna claims, she will continue to require medical care and careful monitoring to ensure that no further injury occurs because of the failed device.

Anna filed her lawsuit on March 14, 2019, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The lawsuit was filed on multiple counts, including negligence, failure to warn, design defect, manufacturing defect, breach of express and implied warranties, and several others.

If you or someone you love has suffered from these or other vena cava filter side effects, either from Bard or another manufacturer, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation for IVC injuries. 

What is an IVC Filter?

An inferior vena cava filter (IVC filter) is a device used to stop blood clots from entering the lungs and heart. The filter is placed in the largest vein of the human body, the vena cava. Why is it so important to prevent blood clots? Blood clotting, especially in the lungs and heart, can lead to serious or even life-threatening problems.

There are a few methods for preventing or alleviating blood clot complications. Many patients use blood thinner medications like Pradaxa or Xarelto in order to prevent blood clotting. However, not everyone can take blood thinners, and some simply prefer not to. For these patients, IVC filters are another option.

Vena Cava Filter Side Effects

Despite the obvious benefits of IVC filters, they do not come without their own risks. In 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a safety warning regarding vena cava filter side effects. The warning included device migration, filter fracture, perforation, and difficulty of removal. To limit the risk of these side effects, the FDA encouraged physicians to remove the filter once it was no longer needed.

After the FDA’s 2010 warning, use of IVC filters declined. However, the rate of implantation is still significant today.

The most common complications associated with vena cava filter devices include:

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

Filing a Vena Cava Filter Lawsuit

If you or someone you love has suffered from vena cava filter side effects like filter migration, fracture, perforation, or others, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. While filing a lawsuit cannot undo the pain and suffering caused by these side effects, nor can it bring a loved one back to life, it can at least help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

The Vena Cava Filter Side Effects Lawsuit is Case No. 1:19-cv-02292, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.