A Greenfield vena cava filter lawsuit may be an option for patients who experienced severe health complications after having the device implanted in their body. Greenfield vena cava filters are a type of inferior vena cava (IVC) filter designed to treat patients who are at risk of developing pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis. However, the permanently implanted devices have been allegedly linked to serious complications, including device detachment, perforation and death. Affected patients and their families may be able to file a lawsuit with the help of an IVC filter lawsuit attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group today. We offer free, confidential, no obligation consultations. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a case we can connect you with an affiliated Greenfield vena cava filter lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What is a Greenfield Vena Cava Filter?
Greenfield vena cava filters are cone-shaped, multi-strutted devices placed in the inferior vena cava (IVC) to prevent pulmonary embolism in patients who have been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis. Greenfield filters are manufactured by Boston Scientific, a worldwide developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical devices.
Greenfield Vena Cava Complications
According to the manufacturer’s website, potential adverse events most commonly associated with Greenfield vena cava filters include:
- Incorrect release or placement of the filter
- Filter movement or migration
- Formation of clots, which could lead to complete blockage of the vein
- Bruising or bleeding of the insertion site
- Infection
- Attachment failure
- Perforation of the inferior vena cava
- Pulmonary embolism
- Air embolism during device placement
- Insertion site thrombosis
- Death
Procedural complications associated with most IVC filters include access site complications, malposition and defective device deployment. Likewise, delayed complications associated with IVC filters in general include filter migration, thrombosis, filter fracture, vein perforation, pulmonary embolism and infections associated with the filters.
Is There a Greenfield Vena Cava Filter Lawsuit?
A Greenfield vena cava filter lawsuit attorney notes that lawsuits have been filed against Boston Scientific alleging serious injuries and patient death related to the use of Greenfield vena cava filters.
A Greenfield vena cava filter lawsuit filed in January 2015 claims that an implanted Greenfield filter led to the death of a long-haul truck driver. According to the lawsuit, the decedent died after experiencing a medical emergency, later determined to be “Perforation of Inferior Vena Cava by Greenfield Filter with Retroperitoneal Hemorrhage.” The lawsuit also claims that the manufacturer of the filter failed to give adequate warnings regarding the risks associated with the use of the filters, including device migration and perforation.
An additional Greenfield vena cava filter lawsuit filed in November 2015 claims that the plaintiff suffered serious injuries as a result of an implanted Greenfield vena cava filter as well as ongoing physical, emotional and economic damages. According to the lawsuit, the manufacturers, Boston Scientific, knew and should have known of the defective nature of the filters as early as 2004. Despite this knowledge, the manufacturers allegedly disregarded the risks related to the devices and continued to market the filters.
Has There Been a Greenfield Vena Cava Filter Recall?
In December 2005, Boston Scientific initiated a voluntary recall of all Stainless Steel Greenfield Vena Cava Filters with 12Fr Femoral Introducer Systems manufactured before March 10, 2004. Unused filters with a “use before date” before March 2007 should be returned to the manufacturer. According to safety information issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), an estimated 18,000 filters were involved in the recall due to reports of detachment during the implant procedure. Should a filter detach during implantation of the device, there is a risk of cardiac and pulmonary embolization. Other potential adverse events include serious injury or death.
How a Greenfield Vena Cava Filter Lawsuit Can Help
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.
People injured by defective Greenfield vena cava filters 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.
For more information, contact Attorney Group. 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.
