An Arkansas IVC filter lawsuit may be an option for patients who have suffered complications as a result of an IVC filter procedure. While inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are intended to protect patients from the ill-effects of certain blood clot disorders, many patients claim that placement of these medical devices has resulted in serious bodily injury. Alleged IVC filter complications include perforation of internal tissues, blockages in veins, and other effects that many patients claim can be blamed on design and manufacturing flaws of the device itself. These complications have led to numerous IVC filter lawsuits being filed against the device makers.
If you or a loved one suffered complications after an IVC filter procedure, contact Attorney Group for Arkansas to learn more. 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 IVC filter attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
IVC Filters And Blood Clots
Due to either physical trauma or underlying medical conditions, some people are more susceptible to developing deep vein thrombosis. Blood clots that form in the lower extremities can travel to the inferior vena cava and eventually make their way to the heart and lungs.
Those with a higher risk of deep vein thrombosis are often prescribed medical anticoagulants, or blood thinners. However, some patients are unable to undergo anticoagulant treatments due to underlying medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, or those with an increased bleeding risk.
IVC filters offer some patients an alternative treatment to anticoagulants. An IVC filter is a small device that can be placed into the inferior vena cava to stop blood clots from traveling from deep veins to those areas where they can do harm. These spider-like metal devices trap clots, without impeding the natural flow of blood through the veins.
Risks Associated With IVC Filters
According to The National Center for Biotechnology Information, IVC filters are associated with a number of risks and complications. The most serious of these are what are known as delayed complications, which have a higher chance of occurring when a filter is left in place for an extended length of time. Such complications may include:
- Deep Vein Thrombosis – IVC filters have been found to increase the instance of deep vein thrombosis in some patients. Some reports show as much as a 40 percent increase in the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis in those who had never before experienced such symptoms.
- Perforation – Another serious complication associated IVC filter implants involves perforation of the inferior vena cava, as well as other internal tissues. Perforation may result in a heightened bleeding risk, which can prove fatal in some instances.
- Pulmonary Embolism – While IVC filters are meant to prevent pulmonary embolisms from occurring, some studies show an increased risk of embolisms after IVC filter procedures.
- Migration – IVC filters have also been known to migrate to other areas of the body, including the heart valves and right ventricle. In these cases removal can be very difficult and require extensive surgical procedures.
Arkansas IVC Filter Lawsuit: Other IVC Filter Risks
An alert issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2010 outlines the dangers posed by IVC filters. The FDA report cited 921 adverse events linked to the device. Migrating filters were the primary complication with 328 instances reported, while embolization featured in 146 reports. Additionally, 70 reports referenced perforation of the inferior vena cava, and 56 reports involved filter fractures.
These adverse events often require extensive surgical intervention, and can result in death in some cases. This has led to a number of patients filing lawsuits against IVC filter manufacturers, claiming that the safety of these devices has been misrepresented to both the general public as well as the medical community.
Attorneys are alleging serious injuries and other complications in Arkansas IVC filter lawsuits being filed on behalf of affected patients.
Injured Patients May Be Entitled to Compensation
Medical device makers have a duty to provide safe products. If there are risks of harm associated with their devices, 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.
If a patient dies from complications related to a defective IVC Filter, family members may be entitled to compensation for the wrongful death of their loved one.
Patients who have suffered severe complications from IVC filters, as well as the families of those who have died as a result of complications with the device, are encouraged to seek the advice of an Arkansas IVC filter lawyer to learn more about their rights and remedies.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Arkansas. When you contact us, an attorney will follow up with you to speak with you about your case or 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.
