Argon Medical Devices is facing several Option IVC filter lawsuits in Dallas, Texas from people who were injured. The longer an IVC filter remains implanted, the higher the risk of serious complications.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting IVC filter cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know received an Option ELITE IVC Filter, regardless of whether you have been injured or not, please contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Medical Device Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Overview
Argon Medical Devices is based in Plano, Texas and manufactures the Option™ ELITE Retrievable Vena Cava Filter. The device was designed by Rex Medical and approved by the FDA in 2014. It is intended for short-term protection against pulmonary embolisms.
Argon IVC Filter Lawsuit Filed in Dallas, Texas
In August 2016, a federal lawsuit (PDF) was filed in Dallas County Circuit Court by a man who has an Option IVC filter permanently embedded in his body. The filter was implanted in September 2011 and perforated his vena cava, where it is now impossible to remove without causing more serious complications.
The problem was discovered in May 2016, when he went to the doctor complaining of chest pain. According to the lawsuit:
“As long as the Option filter remains embedded in his vena cava, Plaintiff is at risk for future thrombosis, filter fractures, migrations, perforations, and tilting. He faces numerous health risks, including the risk of death.”
Another IVC Filter Lawsuit Filed in Texas
In October 2016, another lawsuit (PDF) was filed against Argon Medical Devices in Texas. The victim was implanted with the Option IVC filter in 2013. One year later, she developed blood clots in her legs — a complication known as IVC thrombosis — and now suffers from chronic pain, swelling, vein damage, and circulation problems. Doctors cannot remove the filter because it perforated through her vena cava.
What is the problem?
The Option IVC filter was never studied for safety in clinical trials before it was approved in 2014. The FDA allowed it on the market because it was “equivalent” to other filters — including products like the C.R. Bard Recovery, which was pulled off the market in 2005.
FDA Issues Safety Warning
In 2010, the FDA issued a Safety Warning after receiving nearly 1,000 reports of patients who were seriously injured by IVC filters. The agency also ordered device-makers to study the safety risks associated with their devices.
Argon Participates in Clinical Trial of IVC Filters
Argon Medical Devices is participating in PRESERVE, a 5-year clinical trial that began in December 2015. The study involves seven manufacturers and 2,100 patients, including 300 who will receive the Option IVC filter.
What is the problem?
The Option and other temporary IVC filters are not designed or studied for permanent placement. However, retrieval rates remain extremely low. In general, only about one in five filters are ever removed. Less than 10% of IVC filters are removed in trauma patients.
Risks Increase Over Time
One of the most common complications is perforation through the inferior vena cava, a major blood vessel. This complication does not always cause symptoms, but it can make the filter impossible to remove. Another risk is the needle-like wire legs of an IVC filter can fracture and travel in the bloodstream until they get stuck in the heart, lungs, or other vital organs.
IVC Filter Lawyer in Dallas, Texas
Our law firm is based in Dallas, Texas. We specialize in helping people who were injured by dangerous medical devices file lawsuits. If you were injured by an IVC filter, contact us for a free consultation. We are investigating lawsuits involving serious injuries, such as:
- Blood clots
- Perforation of the vena cava
- Filter fracture, migration, or tilt
- Heart problems
- Organ damage
- Stroke
- Pulmonary embolism
- Failure to remove filter
- And more
Do I have an Argon IVC Filter Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is evaluating IVC filter cases in all 50 states, regardless of whether you were injured or not. If you or someone you know received an IVC filter implant, please contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
Please use the form below to contact our Defective Medical Device Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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The Schmidt Firm, PLLC has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading plaintiffs' law firms and handles cases in all 50 states. We are very proud of our legal achievements, but equally self-respecting of our firm's reputation for providing personal attention to each and every client we represent.
