Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters are designed to prevent blood clots from traveling to a patient’s lung (pulmonary emboli). They are most often implanted in patients who are not good candidates for blood thinners. Unfortunately, many of these filters fail, and frequently, a patient will have no idea their filter is not functioning as intended. This can happen in the form of a leg-breaking off of the filter, the filter migrating out of its intended position, and/or the filter puncturing the vena cava by rotating into an improper position. These filter failures can cause severe injuries or death.
Case Quick Facts
The Problem
While IVC filters were designed to prevent blood clots, many of them are not designed in a manner that is safe for patient use. This defective design can make the filters difficult or impossible for surgeons to remove. Additionally, the design of many of these filters did not adequately account for the constant flow of blood through a patient’s veins, making the filters prone to movement from their intended positions. When the filters move, they also cease to be as effective as they should be at preventing a pulmonary embolism. Finally, while many IVC filters are marketed as being retrievable or removable, many become permanently embedded and cannot be removed without a major surgery.
The Injuries
While IVC 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:
- Perforation of veins or organs
- Filter migration
- Filter malfunction due to breakage
- Lack of efficacy (filter doesn’t work as intended)
- Filter becomes permanently embedded and cannot be removed
- Filter breakage
The Defendant(s)
There are a number of filters on the market, made by a number of different manufacturers. Goldenberg Lauricella is currently accepting cases involving filters made by the following manufacturers:
- C.R. Bard, Inc. and Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc.
- Cook, Inc.
- Cordis, Corp.
Goldenberg Lauricella Can Help
The litigation status is currently active for cases against C.R. Cook Inc., Bard PV, and Cordis, and Goldenberg Lauricella is actively challenging these manufacturers on behalf of those affected. If you or a loved one have faced negative health consequences due to one of these products, please get in touch with one of the IVC filter lawyers on experienced team.
Free Consultations
If you think you could benefit from filing an IVC filter lawsuit, our team can offer you a free consultation. There is no charge, and there is no obligation. The only time you will pay us is if we win your case. Get in touch with us 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.
Types of Filters Goldenberg Lauricella is 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
Why Choose Goldenberg Lauricella?
Since IVC filters have been found to break and cause injuries, it’s important for those who rely on these filters to understand their rights. If you find yourself considering an IVC filter lawsuit, contact Goldenberg Lauricella to see what we can do for you. Blood clot filter lawyers on our team are here to represent you and make an uncomfortable experience much more pleasant for you.