Inferior Vena Cava Filters
Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters are inserted supposedly to stop blood clots from making their way into a patient’s lung, condition referred to as pulmonary emboli. These filters are commonly implanted in patients who for one or more reasons should not use blood thinners. However, there are no studies that support the efficacy of these filters. Additionally, far too often these filters have failed to function properly, and without the knowledge of the patient. The types of failures that can occur with IVC filters include filter migration from its intended position, a leg breaking off the filter, or the filter rotating into an improper position and puncturing the vena cava. The failure of Inferior Vena Cava filters in patients has the potential to cause severe injury or even death.
As an experienced IVC filter law firm, Goldenberg Lauricella, PLLC in Minneapolis, Minnesota is here to serve as your strong advocate in the aftermath of suffering injuries due to an IVC filter failure.
For over a decade, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has been receiving complaints that malfunctions have occurred after patients received retrievable inferior vena cava (IVC) filters. These filters are implanted in patients that may be at risk of developing blood clots. The filter is essentially designed to catch blood clots – preventing them from migrating to a patient’s lungs or heart, which can lead to a stroke or even death.
While Inferior Vena Cava filters are intended to protect a patient from further harm, they have actually been found to cause horrible injuries. In some cases, these injuries have been fatal. IVC filters can malfunction, move, or break, causing any of the following to occur in a patient:
- Organ perforation
- Blood vessel puncture
- Pieces of the filter migrate and damage another part of the body
- Filter malfunction due to breakage
Any of these problems can lead to corrective surgeries, pain, suffering, and even wrongful death in the worst of cases. Our IVC filter attorneys serving the Twin Cities’ area are here to help you navigate your options, which may include filing a lawsuit to secure significant compensation for your injuries.
Case Quick Facts
IVC Filter Issue
Although IVC filters were designed to prevent the formation of blood clots in the lung, many of these devices have been found to be unsafe for patient use. Due to their defective design, they are extremely difficult if not impossible for surgeons to remove. The design of IVC filters also did not take into account the continual flow of blood that occurs within a patient’s veins, which makes the filters susceptible to moving from their original position. Once the filters move out of position, their effectiveness at preventing pulmonary embolism is significantly reduced or eliminated. Although some IVC filters are advertised as removable or retrievable, many have become embedded permanently, requiring major surgery for removal.
IVC Filter Injuries
While Inferior Vena Cava filters are supposed to protect patients from a serious medical issue, they have instead caused serious injuries to many patients, with some of these injuries causing death.
IVC filters can malfunction, move, or break, causing any of the following to occur in a patient:
- Filter migration
- Filter breakage
- Perforation of organs or veins
- Malfunction of filter due to breakage
- Permanently embedment of filter, preventing removal
- Filter fails to work as intended
The Defendant(S)
There are various IVC filters on the market, made by various manufacturers. Our team at Goldenberg Lauricella, PLLC is investigating cases that involve IVC filters manufactured by:
- Cordis, Corp.
- Cook, Inc.
- C.R. Bard, Inc. and Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc.
Let Us Help
The Minnesota defective medical device attorneys at Goldenberg Lauricella, PLLC in Minneapolis, Minnesota are in active litigation against Cook Inc. and Cordis on behalf of victims of IVC filter failure. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to IVC filter device failure, contact a lawyer on our experienced team today.
About IVC Filters
IVC filters are designed to capture blood clots moving through the vena cava, a large vein carrying deoxygenated blood into the heart. These devices are approved for patients who cannot tolerate anticoagulation therapy (blood thinners) and are widely used in patients diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis.
How Are IVC Filters Failing?
The shape of some filters, which resemble a spider-like component, lends itself to dangerous migration, perforation, and/or tendency to fracture. Further, these filters are very difficult, if not impossible, to remove after implanted, even though they are indicated as being temporary, making it very difficult for doctors to take the dangerous device out of patients.
IVC Filters We are Investigating
Bard PV
Product names: Recovery, G2, G2 Express (G2X), Eclipse, Meridian, Denali
Cook Inc.
Product names: Gunther Tulip, Gunther Tulip Mreye, Celect, Celect Platinum
Cordis
Product names: Optease Retrievable Filter, Trapease Permanent Filter
Free Consultations
If you think you qualify for an IVC filter lawsuit, our team of the best IVC filter lawyers serving the Twin Cities’ area are here to help. We offer a free consultation without charge or obligation. We are only paid if we win your case.