A number of patients have filed lawsuits against medical device manufacturers over serious complications allegedly caused by IVC filter fracture.

Patients are increasingly reporting IVC filter fracture problems that can lead to dangerous and lasting, or even fatal, side effects.

IVC Filter Basics

As implied by the name itself, the inferior vena cava filter is placed in the largest vein in the body, the inferior vena cava.

Essentially, IVC filters are devices used to combat blood clotting and the dangerous effects that go along with it. IVC filters are used to prevent blood clots from entering the patient’s lungs or heart, which could have serious medical consequences.

Blood clotting can also be preventing by the use of a blood thinner or anticoagulant, another popular method. Patients who may be unable to take blood thinners or simply prefer using a device over a medication may instead choose to use an IVC filter.

IVC Filter Fracture Side Effects

Almost a quarter of a million patients are implanted with IVC filter devices each year. While they are undoubtedly popular, these devices have been increasingly linked with major complications, such as IVC filter fracture and migration.

A device that is incorrectly placed or moves after implantation can perforate veins or organs. An IVC filter fracture can cause small, sharp components to spread, causing serious damage. Device migration and breakage often necessitates filter removal. After extreme cases of IVC filter fracture, it may actually be too dangerous to remove the device or the pieces.

IVC Filter Lawsuits

A growing number of patients who have experienced serious inferior vena cava filter failure problems such as device migration or perforation are responding by filing lawsuits against the device’s manufacturers. According to these lawsuits, the benefits of the filter devices are not worth the risk.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received hundreds of adverse events reports about complications linked with IVC filter fracture and failure in the past ten years. According to the FDA, IVC filer devices should only be used if other treatments are considered ineffective — and even then, they should only be used for the shortest amount of time possible.

IVC filter lawsuits further allege that manufacturers intentionally concealed the severity of inferior vena cava filter fracture side effects from consumers and the larger medical community, placing company profit over consumer safety.

Lawsuits over side effects from IVC filter fracture allege that device manufacturers have a responsibility to warn consumers and the medical community about the potential risks associated with their IVC filter devices.

Filing an IVC filter lawsuit cannot repair the damage a patient suffers from IVC filter fracture or other complications, but can help compensate for financial losses from medical expenses and lost wages a patient may experience.

If you or someone you love has been implanted with an inferior vena cava filter and suffered from side effects such as IVC filter fracture and perforation, you may be able to file a lawsuit.