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Complications

 

Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters are intended to help prevent potentially fatal blood clots, particularly for people who have had an accident or surgery. Although these devices are used to save lives by preventing potentially fatal clots from traveling to the patients heart and lungs, the complications associated with IVC filters can be equally as harmful.

Some of these complications and serious side effects include vein and organ perforation, migration, and breakage, which occurs when broken pieces of this device travel through the body, damaging organs.

The filters are also known to shift or tilt which makes retrieval of the device extremely difficult and far more complex than initially advertised. A review of patients at Boston Medical Center who received IVC filters between 2003 and 2011 found only 8.5 percent of the filters had been successfully removed from patients, and that unsuccessful attempts to retrieve filters from patients happened in 18.3 percent of cases.

Serious Side Effects

Additionally, a safety communication issued by the FDA reported the adverse effects and outcomes associated with IVC filters, which include the following:

  • Device migration
  • Filter fracture
  • Embolization (movement of the entire filter or fracture fragments to the heart or lungs)
  • Perforation of the IVC
  • Difficulty removing the device

Some of the long-term risks associated with IVC filters reported by the FDA include:

  • Lower limb deep vein thrombosis
  • IVC occlusion (blockage)

These complications and adverse events are often related to how long the filter has been implanted. Additionally, negative side effects of IVC filters can also be related to procedural complications (when the doctor inserts the filter), retrieval complications (when the doctor removes the filter), and delayed complications (after the filter is in the body).

Additionally, it has been shown that the manufacturer received complaints about its device, but did not report these concerns to the FDA.

If you or a loved one suffered because of an IVC filter, or developed complications, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your medical bills and pain and suffering. Our experienced team of attorneys can evaluate your case and advise you on whether you have basis to file a suit. We will be your advocate against the company that manufactured the product that has caused you harm or injury. To find out if you have a claim, please call Avram Blair & Associates P.C. at (800) 679-3816 or contact us online.

 

 

We Can Help You

If you or a loved one have suffered because of a dangerous drug or device, or have been injured, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Recovery may include compensations for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and loss of wages. Please contact Avram Blair & Associates, P.C. immediately. We will spend time evaluating any potential claims. Call us toll-free (888) 384-5745 or fill out the form below and a Legal Intake Specialist will reach out to you.

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