Retrievable inferior vena cava (IVC) filters, meant for short-term protection against pulmonary embolisms, can cause life-threatening side effects when they are left inside a patient after the risk of pulmonary embolism subsides. In 2010, the FDA issued warnings about IVC filter safety hazards, including fracture, migration, and organ damage. In some cases, doctors may be unable to safely remove a defective IVC filter.
What You Can Do & How an IVC Filter Lawsuit 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.
Retrievable IVC Filters
Retrievable IVC filters are gaining popularity as a safer alternative to permanent IVC filters, which can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Some of the most popular retrievable IVC filters include:
- G2 and G2 Express (C.R. Bard)
- Recovery (C.R. Bard) — withdrawn in 2005
- Günther Tulip and Celect (Cook Medical)
- OptEase Filter (Cordis Endovascular)
- Cruz Vena Cava Filter (VCF)
- ALN filter with hook (ALN Implants)
FDA Warning for Safety Risks of IVC Filters
The longer a retrievable IVC filter is left in place, the greater the safety risks. In August 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a Safety Communication for IVC filters after they received nearly 1,000 adverse event reports in five years. These adverse events included filters that fractured, migrated, and perforated internal organs.
The FDA concluded:
“These types of events may be related to a retrievable filter remaining in the body for long periods of time, beyond the time when the risk of pulmonary embolism (PE) has subsided.”
Studies of Bard IVC Filter Safety Risks
In November 2010, the Archives of Internal Medicine published a study investigating the safety risks of the C.R. Bard Recovery, G2, and G2 Express IVC filters. The single-center study evaluated adverse events from 2004-2009 and found high rates of filter fracture and other hazards.
Researchers found that 25% (13 out of 80) Recovery filters fractured, including five cases in which fragments traveled to a patient’s heart. The Recovery was withdrawn from the market in 2005. Soon after, Bard introduced the G2 and G2 Express IVC filters. However, 12% (6 out of 52) filters fractured and embolized.
Do I have a 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.
Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us a case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.
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.
