Inferior Vena Cava filters, or IVC filters, are filters placed in a large vein in the abdomen of individuals that physicians worry are at increased risk of forming blood clots in their legs. The filters are designed to catch clots before they get to the heart, lungs, or brain. Unfortunately, a number of IVC filters (mostly the type that were designed to be removable) are extremely dangerous themselves. Some have even caused deaths.
IVC Filter Risks
Defective IVC filters can cause a number of dangerous complications including:
- Filter fractures where parts of the filter break off and travel to the heart, lungs, or other organs – possibly even perforating the heart.
- Filter perforations where parts of the filter perforate the vena cava potentially causing damage to other organs.
- Filter migration where the filter moves inside the vena cava reducing its ability to catch clots and making filter fractures and perforations more likely.
- Filters may also become stuck so that doctors can not get them out.
FDA action against IVC Filters
The FDA is actively investigating IVC filters and injuries caused by them.In August of 2010, the FDA issued an advisory about retrievable filters and potential dangers involved in their failure if left in the body too long.The FDA indicated that it had received 921 reports of adverse events involving IVC filters.
As recently as July of 2015, the FDA has sent a warning letter to filter manufacturer Bard regarding a number of violations related to it’s IVC filters and related devices.
IVC Filters Provost Umphrey is Investigating
Our firm is currently excepting cases involving the following IVC filters:
- Bard Recover
- Bard G2
- Bard G2x
- Cook Gunther Tulip
- Cook Celect
If you have an one of these IVC filters please contact us even if you have not had symptoms yet.We may be able to help.
If you have an IVC filter and do not know what kind of filter you have, please contact us if you have had any problems.Warning signs include chest pain and shortness of breath.