An inferior vena cava (IVC) filter is a medical device that is used to catch blood clots and prevent them from traveling to the heart and lungs, where they can cause deadly pulmonary embolisms.
While IVC filters can and have saved lives, they also carry a number of health complication risks for patients. If you notice any of the following signs, seek immediate medical attention for potential IVC filter defects or failure.
What Is IVC Filter Failure?
“IVC filter failure” can describe a number of issues with this medical device post-implantation. Common examples are migration (the device traveling to other parts of the body), fragmentation or device breaks, and a clogged filter.
IVC filter issues may arise due to product defects, medical malpractice or for unknown reasons. Various symptoms may be noticed by the patient depending on the nature of the IVC filter failure or defect.
Chronic Pain
A patient may suffer unexplained and persistent or chronic pain due to IVC filter failure or migration. If pieces of the metal filter break off, they may cause pain by perforating vein walls or puncturing surrounding organs. If the IVC filter moves into different parts of the body, the patient may notice pain in the new location.
Unusual Bruising
Internal bleeding can occur due to IVC filter problems, leading to outward signs such as unusual bruising. If a patient notices bruising or unexplained bleeding after receiving an IVC filter, it could be a sign that the device has migrated, punctured a blood vessel, perforated an organ, caused internal bleeding or damaged other parts of the body.
Cardiovascular Events
IVC filters are placed in the inferior vena cava – a large vein located in the abdomen that runs from the heart to the lower body. If the device breaks apart or migrates, it can travel up to the heart or lungs and cause a variety of cardiovascular or pulmonary events. Signs may include heart palpitations, rapid heartbeat, arrhythmia, shortness of breath and dizziness.
If an IVC filter fails to catch a blood clot as it was designed to, the patient may experience the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis. This can include swelling in one leg, unexplained pain, or redness and discoloration. If a blood clot travels to the lungs, it could cause a pulmonary embolism, with symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness and cough.
Signs of Infection
Some patients suffer from infection due to an IVC filter or the bloodstream becoming contaminated with bacteria. If the struts of the filter penetrate the wall of the vena cava, for example, this could introduce bacteria into the bloodstream.
Warning signs of a serious infection include high fever, shaking, nausea, chills, rapid heart rate and a sudden drop in blood pressure. Severe infections run the risk of turning into sepsis, a life-threatening medical condition.
What to Do if You Suspect IVC Filter Failure
If you have any reason to believe that your IVC filter has migrated, broken apart or failed in other ways, get medical care right away. IVC filter problems are medical emergencies that need to be addressed as soon as possible by healthcare professionals.
Treatment may include retrieval of the broken or migrated filter, management of vein damage or blood clots, anticoagulation medications, and additional surgeries to repair damage or place a new IVC filter.
Once you have seen a doctor, contact us about a potential claim against a health care provider or the manufacturer of a defective IVC filter. You may be eligible for financial compensation for your injuries and related losses.