Many patients who developed IVC thrombosis have claimed that the IVC filter used in their medical treatment caused them to develop severe health complications. In some cases, patients claim that the filter shifted and punctured their inferior vena cava. IVC filters have also reportedly led to deadly, complications, such as uncontrolled internal bleeding and IVC thrombosis. Affected patients are seeking assistance from an IVC filter lawsuit attorney to help them recover compensation for their injuries.
If you or a loved one suffered thrombosis that you suspect may have been caused by an IVC filter, 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.
What Are IVC Filters?
The human body is made up of a complex network of veins that transport blood to the heart. The inferior vena cava is a vein that carries blood that has been deoxygenated from the lower body up to the heart. This vein is also one of the largest ones in the body. If a large clot, otherwise known as a pulmonary embolism, travels from a person’s lower extremities, through the inferior vena cava and up to the heart, the results can be very serious. To prevent large pulmonary embolisms from developing and harming patients, anticoagulation is usually the first step taken.
However, the placement of an IVC filter is recommended only when existing circumstances would prevent the effectiveness of anticoagulation and when initial anticoagulation efforts have failed. An IVC filter is a device that can be placed in patients who are at a high risk for pulmonary embolism. Once this risk has decreased, the filter can then be removed. These devices are designed to keep blood clots from making their way into the lungs and heart, and are placed directly in the inferior vena cava. However, IVC filters are not designed to prevent clots from forming. For this reason, many patients must remain on anticoagulation medication while an IVC filter is in their body.
IVC Filter Complications And Risks
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received many adverse event reports that are associated with the use of IVC filters. Within these reports are episodes when IVC filters:
- Migrated from their initial position within the body of a patient
- Fractured after they were inserted into the inferior vena cava
- Broke into smaller pieces and the fragments travelled to the heart or the lungs of a patient
- Perforated while they were in the body of a patient
- Were difficult to remove after the risk of pulmonary embolism had been reduced
Many of these adverse outcomes may be related to how long the filter was allowed to remain within the body of a patient. One of the main concerns that exists is that even though these devices were no longer needed, health care professionals failed to remove them to reduce the occurrence of complications.
IVC Thrombosis Lawsuit: Risks Associated With IVC Filters
While there are numerous risks associated with IVC Filters, a serious concern relates to IVC thrombosis. In a study published in 2013, researchers looked at 952 IVC filter patients at Boston Medical Center from August 2003 to February 2011. Of 679 retrievable filters, only 8.5 percent were successfully removed. Unsuccessful retrieval attempts were made in 18.3 percent of cases. The patients suffered 74 venous thrombotic events, including 25 pulmonary emboli that occurred with the filters in place.
Researchers noted that many IVC filters placed after trauma were inserted when the highest bleeding risk had subsided, and anticoagulant therapy may have been appropriate. Other studies have reported that although IVC filters might decrease the incidence of pulmonary embolism, the risk of deep vein thrombosis is increased.
Previously filed lawsuits allege that IVC filters have been associated with fracturing and migration. These pieces can travel to the heart, lungs and other vital organs. Once this occurs, bleeding, severe pain and fatal injuries can result. There are currently numerous pending lawsuits against manufacturers of IVC Filters on behalf of individuals or their families who have suffered injury or death as a result of a failed IVC Filter.
Attorneys are alleging IVC thrombosis and other serious injuries in 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.
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