An Iowa IVC filter lawsuit may be an option for patients who have suffered complications as a result of an IVC filter procedure. Though the goal of IVC filters is to prevent dangerous blood clots from making their way to the heart and lungs, many patients undergoing these treatments have experienced serious side effects and complications. While this procedure has proven successful in many instances, some patients have filed IVC filter lawsuits against the device makers alleging injuries associated with the IVC filters.
If you or a loved one suffered complications after an IVC filter procedure, contact Attorney Group for Iowa 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.
What Are IVC Filters?
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 vena cava and eventually make their way to the heart and lungs. A blood clot in the lungs, known as a pulmonary embolism, is a very serious medical condition and requires immediate medical attention.
This potential for injury leads many doctors to recommend that patients opt for an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter. This is a small device made of wire that is placed inside the vein. The size and shape of the devices vary, but all of them have tiny hooks which anchor them in the vein wall, and the cone or basket-shaped design traps a thrombus and prevents it from moving past while still allowing blood to flow through. If possible, patients are also treated with blood thinners to prevent further clots from forming below or around the filter, although many people are unable to take these medications, or do not respond to them well.
Iowa IVC Filter Lawsuit: Risks Associated With IVC Filters
Although IVC filters have been placed in thousands of patients, the Journal of Acute Disease suggests that there is a lack of adequate research for these devices. However, the data that has been collected indicates that the filters are more likely to develop mechanical problems the longer they are left in place. The issues noted by that publication include filter fracture, migration and perforation of the vein wall. The American College of Radiology also lists potential complications with the filters that health care providers and patients should be aware of. For example, when a filter is initially placed in the vein, some of its components could prolapse inside the vein, or the filter could fail to open.
C.R. Bard, a manufacturer of IVC filters, has removed some of their devices from the market in the United States, according to their website. NBC News reports that one of these, the Recovery, allegedly led to 300 adverse health issues and 27 deaths before it was replaced by the G2, which had a modified design. The device maker is currently involved in multiple lawsuits over claims that their G2 is also defective.
Attorneys are alleging serious injuries and other complications in Iowa IVC filter lawsuits being filed on behalf of affected patients.
Other IVC Filter Risks
Despite the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) 2010 safety alert that documented over 900 instances of adverse events resulting from these devices, the use of IVC filters is still a popular option with medical professionals and patients. Occurrences of these adverse events often requires extensive surgical intervention, and can even result in death in some instances. This has led to a number of patients filing lawsuits against the manufacturers of IVC filters, alleging that the safety of these devices has been misrepresented to both the general public as well as the medical community.
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 Iowa IVC filter lawyer to learn more about their rights and remedies.
Contact Us For More Information
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Iowa. You can fill out the form on this page, call us at the number listed at the top of the page, or email us at info@attorneygroup.com.
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.
See our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information, and contact Attorney Group for Iowa today.
