A Connecticut man recently filed a lawsuit against Cook Medical, alleging that he suffered from serious IVC filter side effects caused by the medical device manufacturer’s product.

The plaintiff, Joseph D., says he underwent surgery on Oct. 4, 2015, when he was implanted with an IVC filter. The specific device used was the Cook Celect Vena Cava Filter from Cook Medical.

Joseph’s complaint belongs to a larger consolidated multidistrict litigation. The MDL’s master complaint alleges that Cook Medical either knew or should have known about the risk of serious side effects associated with its IVC filter device, yet failed to adequately warn the plaintiffs or their doctors about these risks.

The lawsuit cites studies that have shown a high risk of IVC filter side effects, including “breakage, tilt, inability of removal, and migration,” as well as perforation.

Joseph filed his IVC filter side effects lawsuit on Jan. 24, 2019, in Indiana as part of a larger consolidated group of lawsuits. The lawsuit was filed on multiple counts, including failure to warn, design defect, negligence, breach of express and implied warranties, and others.

What is an IVC Filter?

An inferior vena cava filter—or IVC filter—is a device inserted into the largest vein of the human body, and is meant to stop blood clots from traveling into the lungs and heart.

Blood clots can lead to serious or even life-threatening conditions, especially when they affect the lungs or the heart. IVC filters are just one method of preventing blood clot complications. Many patients use blood thinner medications instead, such as Pradaxa, Xarelto, and Coumadin. However, for patients who cannot take blood thinners—or for those who would simply prefer not to—IVC filters are another popular option.

Unfortunately, the use of an IVC filter carries with it its own risks. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety warning in 2010, noting IVC filter side effects risks like device migration, filter fracture, perforation, and difficulty of removal. According to Endovascular Today, the federal agency suggested that physicians remove the filter as soon as it is no longer needed, to limit the risk of these side effects.

A study published in Science Daily noted that, since the FDA’s initial IVC filter safety warning, there was a significant decrease in IVC filter usage.

Filing an IVC Filter Lawsuit

IVC filter patients
allege that the benefits of these devices are not worth the extra risks they pose. Injured patients have turned to litigation against a variety of manufacturers that make these inferior vena cava filters, including Cook Medical.

If you or a loved one has suffered from IVC filter side effects like perforation or device migration from a Cook Medical filter or similar device, 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, it can at least help to alleviate the financial burden caused by medical expenses and lost wages.

The IVC Filter Side Effects Lawsuit is Case No. 1:19-cv-00233-TWP-TAB, in the U.S. District Court for the Indianapolis Division of the Southern District of Indiana.