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IVC Filter Complications

IVC Filter Complications

Complications of an inferior vena cava (IVC) filters may occur during placement, retrieval, or long-term. Some of the most serious complications occur when temporary IVC filters are not retrieved after a patient is no longer at risk of a pulmonary embolism. These complications include filter fracture, migration, perforation of internal organs, bleeding, and death.

What You Can Do & How We Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently evaluating IVC filter cases in all 50 states, regardless of whether you have been injured or not. If you or somebody you know was implanted with an IVC filter, you should 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.

Placement Complications

When a filter is placed in a patient’s inferior vena cava (IVC), complications are usually minor. Less serious placement complications include bleeding, infection, accidental perforation of a blood vessel, and hematoma.

About 1% of complications are serious. One of the most serious placement complications is malposition. An improperly positioned IVC filter is more likely to migrate to another area of the body. It may also fail to capture blood clots, increasing a patient’s risk of pulmonary embolism.

IVC Filter Complications

One of the most common symptoms of serious IVC filter complications is chest pain. When the following complications occur, they typically require surgery to retrieve the IVC filter:

    • Migration: Occurs when the filter moves from the inferior vena cava into the heart, lungs, or kidneys — usually the heart valves, right ventricle, or pulmonary outflow tract.
    • Fracture: When a retrievable IVC filter is not removed, a patient’s risk of filter fracture increases. The wire “struts” can travel into the heart or lungs and cause life-threatening cardiovascular complications.
    • Inferior Vena Cava or Organ Perforation: Laceration of internal blood vessels can cause internal bleeding. If the heart is punctured, fluid can accumulate in the space between the heart muscle and pericardium.
    • Infection: Rare but serious complication occurs when the IVC filter is not sterilized before it is implanted in a patient.
    • Blood clots: Patients at risk of pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs) can benefit from an IVC filter, but they have a greater risk of deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the legs).
    • And more

Long-Term Complications

Surgeons are not always able to remove IVC filters, especially when they migrate or fracture. In some cases, the risk of removing pieces of the filter outweighs the benefits — especially when there are fragments in the heart or lungs. Unfortunately, a permanent IVC filter increases the risk of many complications, including blood clots in the legs.

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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