An Oklahoma IVC filter lawsuit may be an option for patients who have suffered complications as a result of an IVC filter procedure. Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are small, umbrella-like devices that are commonly used in patients who are at risk of suffering from a venous thromboembolism (VTE), a condition which can lead to serious medical complications and in some cases, death. While this procedure has proven successful in many instances, some patients have filed IVC filter lawsuits against the device makers.
If you or a loved one suffered complications after an IVC filter procedure, contact Attorney Group for Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma IVC filter lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What Are IVC Filters?
A VTE can occur at any age and could happen as a result of something simple such as a long flight. Surgery is a leading cause however, particularly procedures on hips and knees, because clotting is an important part of recovery from these operations. Cancer and cancer surgeries also put patients at high risk for VTEs. Thrombolytic drugs are medications that are sometimes used to dissolve clots. However, they are rarely an option because severe bleeding frequently occurs as a result. Doctors are much more likely to prescribe blood thinners, which are also known as anticoagulants.
Unfortunately, while these prevent new clots, they do not dissolve those already present. If a patient’s system is unable to break down the clot while taking the blood thinner, another method of treatment may be necessary. Inferior vena cava filters are often recommended in conjunction with blood thinners for patients in this condition. Doctors may also suggest IVC filters instead of anticoagulants when patients are unable to tolerate the medication or have a high risk of bleeding. These medical devices are made of wires that hook into the sides of the vein so that blood flows through without moving them, while clots are caught and prevented from moving upward.
Risks Associated With IVC Filters
According to The National Center for Biotechnology Information, IVC filters are associated with a number of risks and complications. The most serious of these are what are known as delayed complications, which have a higher chance of occurring when a filter is left in place for an extended length of time. Such complications may include:
- Deep Vein Thrombosis – IVC filters have been found to increase the instance of deep vein thrombosis in some patients. Some reports show as much as a 40 percent increase in the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis in those who had never before experienced such symptoms.
- Perforation – Another serious complication associated IVC filter implants involves perforation of the inferior vena cava, as well as other internal tissues. Perforation may result in a heightened bleeding risk, which can prove fatal in some instances.
- Pulmonary Embolism – While IVC filters are meant to prevent pulmonary embolisms from occurring, some studies show an increased risk of embolisms after IVC filter procedures.
- Migration – IVC filters have also been known to migrate to other areas of the body, including the heart valves and right ventricle. In these cases removal can be very difficult and require extensive surgical procedures.
Oklahoma IVC Filter Lawsuit: 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.
Attorneys are alleging serious injuries and other complications in Oklahoma IVC filter lawsuits being filed on behalf of affected patients.
How an Oklahoma 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 an Oklahoma IVC filter lawyer to learn more about their rights and remedies.
Contact Us For More Information
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Oklahoma. 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 Oklahoma today.
