An Arizona IVC filter lawsuit may be an option for patients who have suffered severe complications after having an IVC filter procedure. Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are medical devices designed to treat patients suffering from certain blood clot disorders such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. While the manufacturer may claim that the devices are safe, there are a number of serious risks allegedly associated with this treatment, including the possibility of internal laceration due to broken device components. Affected patients and their families may be able to file an Arizona IVC filter lawsuit and seek compensation for their injuries.
For more information, contact the Attorney Group for Arizona. We offer free, confidential, no obligation consultations. We can help answer your questions and inform you of your options. If you choose to pursue a claim, we can connect you with an affiliated Arizona IVC filter lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
Blood Clots and Health Concerns
According to WebMD, in certain situations blood clots can prove deadly. Poor blood flow has been known to cause an increase of blood clots and is sometimes linked to deep vein thrombosis, as well as other conditions like atrial fibrillation. Additionally, the accumulation of blood within vessels is linked to a number of serious occurrences, such as strokes and heart attacks. Blood clots also occur in the brain, which can have a range of severe effects including death.
Specific proteins boost clot growth in response to damage occurring to blood vessels and under normal circumstances blood clots will disperse on their own. The body will begin diffusing clots to prevent growth from continuing once the leak in the vessel is sufficiently plugged up.
How Do IVC Filters Work?
In the event that clotting does not occur normally, patients may decide to receive an IVC filter. The University of Michigan Department of Surgery describes an IVC filter as a method of containing clots that could potentially travel to other parts of the body by way of its “cone-shaped” design. IVC filters are intended to keep clots in place without impeding natural blood flow.
Filters are placed in the inferior vena cava, where blood traveling to the heart is transferred from the deep veins within the lower body. Any clots present within this blood as it makes its way from the heart to the lungs can lead to pulmonary embolism, a potentially deadly condition involving blocked lung arteries. Using a guidewire, surgeons place the filter in a blood vessel via a small incision and then guide the device to its intended location.
IVC Filter Risks and Side Effects
Despite the purported benefits offered by this treatment, many patients have experienced a range of side effects and complications after being fitted with IVC filters. According to CVS Pharmacy, complications associated with the procedure include:
- Vomiting
- Throat soreness
- Infection
- Shortness of breath
- Redness and swelling
Filter components have also been known to break in the past, which may result in an increased risk of pulmonary embolism. Filters can also become loose from their original location and lacerate tissues, which can lead to internal bleeding.
FDA Warnings
An Arizona IVC filter lawsuit attorney notes that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a safety communication regarding the potential risks posed by IVC filters. As such, medical professionals should monitor patient health after implantation takes place. In cases where the risk of blood clotting disorders has subsided, the agency suggests that surgeons should retrieve the filter to lessen the chance of complications from occurring.
Using existing reports on device failure, the FDA reviewed past cases to determine whether the risk of these devices outweighed the benefits. In many cases, patients experienced a number of significant side effects, such as venal perforation, filter migration and the possibility of clots occurring within the lower limbs.
IVC Filter Lawsuit Claims
Some manufacturers of IVC filters are facing claims that they neglected to address concerns about injuries caused by their devices. NBC News reports on one case involving Bard, a medical device manufacturer. Despite numerous instances of the company’s Recovery filter causing harm, a voluntary recall failed to be initiated.
One patient even succumbed to complications related to an IVC filter. The device somehow made its way to the patient’s heart after it was implanted to treat a brain aneurysm. Another patient was forced to undergo heart surgery to address complications related to filter implantation.
How an Arizona IVC Filter Lawsuit Attorney Can Help
Device makers have a duty to provide safe products. If there are risks of harm associated with their products, they also must provide adequate warnings. If a device maker fails to fulfill this duty, it could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
People injured by the fault of others may be eligible to recover money for:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
The families of those killed may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
The time you have to pursue a claim is limited. Contact us for more information.Get Help Now.
For more information, contact the Attorney Group for Arizona. You can fill out the form on this page or contact us by phone or email.
After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
