What Are IVC Filters?
If You’ve Been Injured, Let Our Defective Product Lawyers Help
An inferior vena cava filter, or IVC filter, is implanted to prevent serious and life-threatening pulmonary embolism. This procedure should only be used in rare high-risk situations as a last resort to save a patient’s life. This is because the safety and effectiveness is not well-known and they have presented a number of serious complications, especially when drug therapy is an effective solution for certain vascular disorders.
In cases where an IVC filter has caused serious medical issues, our defective product attorneys at Johnston Law Group can help you or your family seek compensation.
Dangers & FDA Warnings
In August 2010 and again in May 2014, the Food and Drug Administration issued advisory warning that temporary IVC filters should be removed as soon as possible or within 29 to 54 days after its implantation. Both temporary and optional filters are cleared by the FDA but should not be a permanent or even semi-permanent solution.
Common Complications & Symptoms
Filters can break and migrate, puncturing veins, arteries, and vital organs like the heart and lungs. Breakage can also create complications during removal, including the need for multiple painful and expensive surgeries. In fact, IVC filters have been linked to about 30 deaths and over 300 injuries in patients to date.
Symptoms of a broken or migrated filter include:
- Chest and neck pain
- Confusion and lightheadedness
- Internal bleeding
- Problems with the heart’s rhythm
- Nausea and trouble breathing
- Hypotension
Injuries from IVC filters can lead to incredibly serious complications, including death. Other issues involve severe bleeding, stroke, and pulmonary embolism.
Common IVC Filters
Manufacturers of IVC filters include C.R. Bard, Inc., Cook Incorporated, Johnson & Johnson, Cook Medical LLC, B. Braun Medical Rex Medical, ALN, Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc., and Rafael Medical. These companies manufacture filters of all types, any of which can cause complications. In addition, Bard IVC filters in particular have been warned against by the FDA because the company failed to establish safe procedures and report cases of malfunction.
Schedule a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one have been injured, let Johnston Law Group help. Our litigation attorney is ready to advocate for your right to compensation. In addition, we take cases on contingency, meaning there are no attorney fees unless we are able to recover or settle on your behalf.
Call (844) 464-0062 or contact our firm online to schedule a complimentary consultation today.
