Different kinds of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are designed to do the same thing. An IVC filter is supposed to prevent a blood clot from entering your lungs and causing a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism. However, while IVC filters serve the same purpose, they are not all the same.
Permanent IVC Filters
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first permanent IVC filter several decades ago. Since then other permanent IVC filters have been approved. Some examples of permanent IVC filters include:
- Vena Tech LP made by B. Braun
- Vena Tech LGM by B. Braun
- Titanium Greenfield made by Boston Scientific
- Trap Ease made by Cordis
- Simon Nitinol made by Bard Peripheral Vascular Inc
- Bird’s Nest Made by Cook Group
- Recovery by C.R. Bard
- G2 by C.R. Bard
- SafeFlo vena by Rafael Medical Technologies
Retrievable IVC Filters
Retrievable IVC filters may be permanently implanted in a person’s body even though they are designed by the manufacturer to be retrievable. Over the years, there has been a higher rate of complications associated with retrievable IVC filters than with permanent IVC filters. Some examples of retrievable IVC filters include:
- Celect made by Cook Medical Inc
- Gunther-Tulip made by Cook Medical Inc
- Option made by Argon Medical Devices
- ALN made by ALN Implants
- Denali made by Bard Peripheral Vascular Inc
- Crux made by Volcano Corp
- Eclipse made by C.R. Bard
- Meridian made by C.R. Bard
Lawsuits have been filed against retrievable IVC filter manufacturers such as C.R. Bard and Cook Medical. Some of the alleged complications include:
- Device migration. IVC filters may move from their implanted location and migrate to the heart, lungs, or other parts of the body.
- Device erosion. IVC filters have fallen apart. This can result in a blood clot traveling to the lungs and causing the pulmonary embolism that it was supposed to prevent. Additionally, the broken pieces of the IVC filter can pierce internal organs and cause dangerous, potentially life-threatening injuries.
Since 2010, the FDA has reminded doctors that retrievable IVC filters are meant to be temporary and that they should be removed as soon as the risk for a pulmonary embolism has passed and the procedures can be safely performed.
IVC Filter Injuries and Lawsuits
If you have an IVC filter and you experience shortness of breath, pain, abnormal heart rhythm, or hemorrhaging, then it is important to get immediate medical treatment. A doctor can determine whether the IVC filter is still intact and whether it is still located in its original implantation location. If it has moved or broken apart, then your doctor can suggest treatment options.
Even if you get prompt treatment, however, you may have already suffered a serious injury. You may suffer temporary or permanent physical problems, you may be unable to work, you may incur high medical expenses, and you may suffer emotionally.
Our experienced IVC filter injury lawyers can evaluate your claim and help you get the fair recovery that you deserve if a defective IVC filter caused your injury. If Cook Medical, C.R. Bard or another pharmaceutical was negligent in the design, manufacturing, or marketing of their product, then we may be able to pursue a mass tort action on your behalf.
A mass tort action allows you to join with other people who have been hurt by the same type of IVC filter to pursue legal action. Together, you can share in the discovery requests and litigation costs so that you have the resources necessary to fight a large pharmaceutical company for damages. However, in the end, your recovery will be based on your own injuries, and you will decide whether or not to take any proposed settlements.
If you would like to learn more about your rights or about the possibility of joining an IVC filter mass tort action, please contact Keefe Disability Law today to schedule an initial consultation. We welcome your inquiry by phone or via this website at any time.
Are You Looking for a Mass Tort Attorney in Boston, MA?
If you have been injured by a defective medical device you need to speak with an experienced mass torts lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 888.904.6847 to schedule your free consultation.
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