Q: What are IVC filters and why are they used?
A: Inferior vena cava filters are medical devices implanted in the veins of a patient to prevent blood clots from moving to the lungs. They are primarily used to prevent pulmonary emboli.
Q: What are the side effects of IVC filters?
A: Studies show that IVC filters can fracture and migrate causing serious medical complications. Serious side effects associated with IVC filters in patients include:
- Device migration
- Filter embolization (heart, lung, liver, kidney)
- Filter fragmentation
- Insertion-site thrombosis
- Perforation of the vena cava
- Recurrent deep vein thrombosis
- Recurrent pulmonary embolism
- Thrombotic complications
- Vena cava thrombosis
- IVC trauma
- Penetration of vessel wall
- Filter infection
- Death
Q: Why did my doctor implant an IVC filter if it has these side effects?
A: IVC filters have been around since the late 1960s, and with modern technology, retrievable IVC filters have become a common treatment to prevent pulmonary embolism. Given the fact the very few empirical studies have been conducted on the devices, doctors continue to use them.
Q: Which IVC filters have been associated with a greater risk of causing serious side effects?
A: The following manufacturers and devices are associated with serious medical complications:
- Cook Celect
- Cook Gunther Tulip
- Bard Recovery Filter
- Bard G2 Filter (2005)
- Bard G2 Express Filter (2008)
- Bard Eclipse (2010)
- Bard Meridian (2011)
- Bard Denali (2013)
Q: Has any legal action been taken against the manufacturers of IVC filters?
A: The first lawsuits filed against C.R. Bard (manufacturer of the Recovery Filter) occurred in California and Pennsylvania state courts in 2012. In October 2014, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation consolidated multiple actions from 11 districts into Multidistrict Litigation No. 2570 in the Southern District of Indiana. Numerous other lawsuits are still pending in federal and state courts regarding IVC filters, and new cases continued to be filed against manufacturers.
Q: How do I know if I have a viable case in an IVC filter lawsuit?
A: If you or someone you know has had an IVC filter implanted that resulted in side effects, such as tearing of the heart, lungs or vena cava, internal bleeding, pulmonary embolism, or other serious medical complications, you may have a case for filing a claim against the manufacturer.
Q: How long do I have to file an IVC filter lawsuit?
A: Every state has maximum time limitations on when an injury claim must be filed. These time restrictions are known as statutes of limitations. If a claim is not filed against the manufacturer before the statute of limitation expires, the injured persons are forever prevented from bringing a claim against the entities and persons who may be liable for their injuries.
If you have been potentially injured after the implantation of an IVC filter, your statute of limitations may already have expired, or may expire in the very near future. Unfortunately, there is no way for us to tell you without us first reviewing the individual facts of your situation.
Q: What should I do if I want to pursue legal action?
A: If you have been adversely affected by an IVC filter or believe you have suffered from one of the serious conditions linked to such products, first see a qualified health care professional. You should also report the incident to your physician and the FDA.
To find out if you are eligible to file a claim in an IVC filter lawsuit, contact McDivitt Law Firm at 877-846-4878 or request a free and confidential case evaluation.