If you were at risk of developing a pulmonary embolism or a potentially fatal blood clot after an accident or surgery, your doctor may have treated you with an IVC filter. These devices are often implanted as a treatment for blood clots, especially if blood thinners cannot be used.

IVC stands for inferior vena cava, which is the main blood vessel that runs from the lower half of the body to the heart. They are wire, cage-shaped filters designed to prevent blood clots from traveling to the heart or lungs by capturing the blood clot as it travels through the vein. In some cases IVC filters are designed as permanent implants, however they can also be inserted temporarily.

Serious complications involving IVC filters were discovered, including vein and organ perforation, migration, and breakage. This happens when broken pieces of the IVC filter travels through the body and damages the organs as a result. On top of these complications, removing the device is no easy task. IVC filters are also known to shift or tilt which makes retrieval of the device extremely difficult. In a review of patients who received IVC filters between 2003 and 2011, unsuccessful attempts to retrieve the device happened in about 18.3 percent of cases.

Personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits are currently being filed against the manufacturers of IVC filters. IVC filter lawsuits allege that IVC filters were defective and dangerous. Some lawsuits allege that the manufacturer failed to properly warn the public of the products’ potentially serious side effects and risks.

If you or a loved one have suffered because of an IVC filter, 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. To find out if you have a claim, please call Avram Blair & Associates, P.C. toll-free at (800) 679-3816 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation.