A Bard G2 IVC filter attorney notes that for patients with an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), placement of an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter is intended to stop harmful blood clots from traveling to the heart and lungs. While this procedure has proven successful in some instances, many other patients claim that serious injury has occurred as a result of treatment. An IVC filter fracture is just one of many alleged complications which has led to numerous IVC filter lawsuits being filed against the device makers.
If you or a loved one suffered complications after a Bard G2 IVC filter procedure, contact Attorney Group 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
IVC filters are used in cases where patients are at risk of experiencing a pulmonary embolism. If a blood clot travels from the lower extremities of the body and eventually makes its way to the lungs, it can prevent blood from flowing properly to this organ, which can be fatal. In order to keep blood clots from making their way up to the lungs and causing complications, an IVC filter may be placed in the inferior vena cava vein. This vein is the largest one in the body and is responsible for making sure that blood is able to get from the lower extremities back up to the heart.
In many situations, the IVC filter, which is a small, cage-like device, is placed into this critical vein using a catheter. Since these filters only prevent clots from travelling to the lungs, and do not keep clots from forming, many patients remain on blood thinning medication while the device is in use. In most cases, IVC filters are not supposed to remain in the bodies of patients on a permanent basis. It is recommended that after the risk of pulmonary embolism subsides, the filter should be removed.
Bard G2 IVC Filter Lawsuit: Risks Associated With IVC Filters
Over the past 10 years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received notice of hundreds of cases where the use of an IVC filter allegedly resulted in an adverse complications. According to the FDA, 146 cases have claimed that a portion of an IVC filter detached itself from the device while in the body of a patient and 70 cases have reported that the IVC filter perforated while in use. Additionally, 328 reports have been made that claim an IVC filter migrated to another area of the body after insertion and in 56 reported cases, the filter allegedly fractured once it had been placed in the inferior vena cava. It is believed that many of these health complications develop when the IVC filter is left within the body even after it is no longer needed.
The Journal of the American Medical Association states that in one case, an IVC filter fractured while in the body of a man, and a piece of it became lodged in his pulmonary artery. The IVC filter was placed in the man’s body two days after he arrived at the hospital following a car accident, and it was not until over five years later that the issue developed. After experiencing chest pain due to the fractured device, the man had to undergo an operation to have both the IVC filter and the fractured piece of the device removed.
Other IVC Filter Risks
Usually an IVC filter is more difficult to retrieve the longer it has been in place, and some removal procedures have been unsuccessful. Retrievable filters may be left in the vein based on a physician’s assessment of the risk factors for removal. The FDA warns that retrievable IVC filters have caused serious health issues for hundreds of patients since 2005. Experts believe that leaving the device in a vein after it is no longer needed can lead to a high risk of patient harm. Adverse events associated with the filters include the following:
- Perforation of the vein
- Filter damage
- Detached filter components
- Migration of the filter
These known risks are believed to be related to long term use of filters that should be removed once the threat from blood clots has been mitigated, the agency stated.
Attorneys are alleging serious injuries and other complications in Bard G2 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 IVC filter lawyer to learn more about their rights and remedies.
For more information, contact Attorney Group. 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.
