By Joe Fantini June 11, 2019

Some people are susceptible to blood clots, but they’re not great candidates for traditional treatments. IVC filters were designed to help these patients avoid life-threatening pulmonary embolisms. Unfortunately, IVC filters have been known to migrate, tilt, shift, and fracture in the body. These defects have resulted in devastating injuries to IVC filter patients.

Injured patients have taken matters into their own hands and filed product liability lawsuits against device manufacturers. The lawsuits accuse the companies of selling a defective product and failing to warn patients about health risks. Since patients didn’t know about the risks, they weren’t able to make informed decisions about their medical care. Now they’re struggling with debilitating and painful injuries. Some IVC filter patients have even died because of their defective device.

Why Are IVC Filters Defective?

An IVC filter is a small metal trap with spider-like legs. It’s inserted into the inferior vena cava, the vein which carries deoxygenated blood from the lower half of the body to the heart. The metal legs help to anchor the device in the vein so that it can catch any blood clots that dislodge from the legs. Today, IVC filters are retrievable. The FDA recommends removing the device no later than 54 days after it’s implanted.

IVC filters have been known to migrate, shift, tilt, and fracture in the body. Legs break off and travel through the veins. This can lead to perforated organs, infections, and tissue damage. The body of the device can shift out of place, making it nearly impossible to remove. Over time, the filter becomes clogged with blood clots, which prevents blood from flowing to the body. This can lead to kidney failure and, in some cases, tissue death.

How Did I Get a Defective IVC Filter?

Medical device companies were able to get IVC filters on the market by taking advantage of the FDA’s 510(k) clearance program. The FDA will allow companies to sell class II medical devices as long as a similar product is already in circulation. The company just has to prove that their device is just as safe, if not safer, than the existing product.

The problem is, companies don’t have to test their devices if they choose to take advantage of 510(k). As a result, patients have become the test subjects for IVC filters. We’re only learning about defects and dangers as patients become injured.

Have Defective IVC Filters Been Recalled?

The FDA has issued advisory warnings about the dangers of retrievable IVC filters. Device manufacturers have recalled some IVC filters.

Just because your IVC filter hasn’t been recalled doesn’t mean you can’t file a lawsuit. Other filters, including those manufactured by Cook Medical and Boston Scientific, have been known to fail. Do not hesitate to contact an attorney if you’ve been injured because of your IVC filter.

What Health Risks Are Associated With Defective IVC Filters?

Defective IVC filters are associated with several adverse health events, including:

In some cases, the device becomes difficult or impossible to remove, which increases the risk of complications. It’s important to seek medical attention if you begin to experience any unusual complications after your IVC filter is implanted.

Do I Have an IVC Filter Lawsuit?

Thousands of people have filed IVC filter lawsuits against various medical device manufacturers. The lawsuits claim that IVC filters are defective and that the companies didn’t warn them about known health risks. Many of these lawsuits have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDLs). With an MDL, one federal judge oversees cases that are based on similar evidence and facts. This helps to foster similar results and encourage settlement discussions.

Some IVC filter lawsuits have already been resolved.  Juries have already millions of dollars to injured IVC filter patients. Several lawsuits are scheduled to go to trial in the near future.

You may have the right to file an IVC filter lawsuit if you’ve:

An experienced IVC filter injury lawyer will be able to help you fully understand your legal rights and options. You only have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit, so don’t hesitate to contact an attorney for help.