July 26, 2016 — Health Canada is warning about serious safety risks associated with IVC filters after receiving a number of adverse event reports.
The agency received 121 reports as of June 6, with many involving long-term use for at least 30 days. The reported side effects include:
- Vena cava perforation
- Blood clots
- Fractured filters and embolization of broken pieces
- Migration to the heart
- Perforation of the heart
- Cardiac tamponade
- Death
Health Canada is asking hospitals to identify all patients who have received a temporary IVC filter and create a plan have them assessed for filter removal.
The agency is also reminding doctors that IVC filters should only be used in patients who cannot take blood-thinning medications and have been diagnosed with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the legs.
There have been only two randomized controlled studies of IVC filter safety, and neither study showed a reduced risk of death or venous thromboembolism, according to Health Canada.
In the United States, over 1,500 people have already filed lawsuits against C.R. Bard and Cook Medical for downplaying the risks associated with IVC filters. The FDA issued a warning in 2010 after receiving nearly 950 adverse event reports.
| IVC Filter | Category | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|
| ALN Vena Cava Filter | Retrievable | A.L.N |
| Denali Vena Cava Filter | Retrievable | Bard Peripheral Vascular |
| G2 Filter System | Retrievable | |
| Simon Nitinol Vena Cava Filter | Permanent | |
| VenaTech LP Vena Cava Filter System | Permanent | B. Braun Medical |
| Optease Vena Cava Filter | Retrievable | Cordis Cashel |
| Trapease Permanent Vena Cava Filter | Permanent | |
| Option Retrievable Vena Cava Filter System | Retrievable | REX Medical, LP |
| Cook Celect Platinum Vena Cava Filter | Retrievable | William Cook, Europe APS And Cook, Inc. |
| Cook Celect Vena Cava Filter | Retrievable | |
| Gianturco-Roehm Birds Nest Vena Cava Filter | Permanent | |
| Gunther Tulip Vena Cava MREye Filter Set | Retrievable |
Do I have an 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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