IVC Filters (also referred to as “Vena Cava Filters”), are implanted into the inferior vena cava to limit where blood clots can travel in the body. Most IVC Filters were designed to prevent blood clots from forming, preventing stroke and other life-threatening events. Unfortunately, a number of studies show that pieces of the filter can break off and cause severe injuries or even death.
In fact, a study conducted by the New England Society for Vascular Surgery noted a 31% fracture rate in IVC filters. Most of the shards found their way to patients’ heart. Another study showed that 25% of the patient group had splinters that broke off, most of which migrated to an end organ, such as the heart, lungs and the hepatic vein.
Risks of a Defective IVC Filter
The IVC filter is a wire device that looks something like an octopus and is set against the walls of the inferior vena cava. Any one of the metal extremities on the device can fracture and be carried away by the blood stream, finding its way to the heart or lungs. The likelihood of splintering increases the longer the device remains in the body.
The use of an IVC filter may cause the following problems:
- IVC Filter migration
- IVC Filter fracture
- IVC Filter perforation
- Tilting of the IVC Filter
- The inability to retrieve the IVC Filter
- Pulmonary embolism
- Compromised respiration
- Stroke
- Death
IVC Filter Investigation
Some of the C.R. Bard retrievable IVC filters we are investigating are the following products:
- Bard Recovery IVC Filter
- Bard G2 IVC Filter
- Bard G2 Express / G2x Filter
- Eclipse
- Meridian
Other retrievable IVC filters that we are also investigating are the following devices:
- Cook Günther Tulip
- Cook Celect
- Braun Tempofilter IVC filter
- Cordis OptEase IVC filter
- ALN IVC filter
- Rex Medical Option IVC filter
Bard IVC Filter Law Firm
With a lawsuit against the manufacturers of the Bard IVC Filter, we may be able to obtain compensation for your pain and suffering and other damages. To learn more about a potential IVC Filter lawsuit, you should contact us immediately as the statutes of limitations restrict the time frame in which you may be able to pursue your claims. If you believe that you or a loved one has been seriously injured due to these products, and you are interested in learning more about how we can help, please contact us.
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