A Louisiana IVC filter lawsuit may be an option for patients who have suffered complications as a result of an IVC filter procedure. Deep vein thrombosis is a very serious condition that is often treated with inferior vena cava (IVC) filters. IVC filters are intended to prevent blood clots from causing significant damage to the heart and lungs. 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana IVC filter lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What Are IVC Filters?
In order to reduce the likelihood of a pulmonary embolism (blockages occurring within the lungs from a blood clot) in patients suffering from deep vein thrombosis, anticoagulant medications are often prescribed. However, some patients experience contraindication to anticoagulation regimens. According to the US National Institutes of Health, contraindication can be defined as instances when anticoagulant therapy is unable to be started or must be stopped due to health concerns, or it is shown to afford inadequate protection for patients with a higher risk of developing pulmonary embolism.
In the event that treatment to prevent pulmonary embolism is needed and a patient is unable to tolerate anticoagulants, IVC filters are often the preferred alternative. These devices are implanted within a patient’s inferior vena cava to trap blood clots before they can make their way to the heart and lungs. Their ability to keep clots in place has a lot to do with the design of the filter, which resembles a small cage that is anchored to internal tissues. The goal is to keep clots from doing harm without impeding the natural flow of blood within the vein.
Louisiana IVC Filter Lawsuit: Risks Associated With IVC Filters
Although IVC filters are intended to protect patients, there are also serious risks associated with the device. In addition to relatively minor risks, such as a risk of infection at the insertion site, IVC filters are alleged to be the cause of serious complications that may require serious medical intervention. IVC filters have been reported to break from their housings and migrate through the patient’s body. Fractured filter components, such as struts, can also break loose from the device and in some cases, pierce or perforate delicate internal tissues.
A study conducted by the Journal of Cardiology highlights some of the more serious risks associated with the placement of an IVC filter. Of the 40 patients enrolled in the study, 10 percent suffered from filter thrombosis, while an additional 10 percent experienced filter dislocation. One patient even experienced what was termed as a massive pulmonary embolism, which required emergency cardiopulmonary support.
Attorneys are alleging serious injuries and other complications in Louisiana IVC filter lawsuits being filed on behalf of affected patients.
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.
How a Louisiana IVC 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.
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 a Louisiana IVC filter lawsuit attorney to learn more about their rights and remedies.
Contact Us For More Information
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Louisiana. 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 Louisiana today.
