September 15, 2015 — An investigative report by NBC News suggests that C.R. Bard has known about the risks of its Recovery IVC filter for more than a decade.
According to NBC, Bard hired Dr. John Lehmann, a private consultant, to conduct a confidential study (PDF) of the Recovery’s risks in 2004.
The study found evidence linking the Recovery to higher rates of complications than other filters on the market. Dr. Lehmann wrote:
“Further investigation of the Recovery VCF filter performance in relation to migration and fracture is urgently warranted.”
But instead of investigating further, Bard continued selling the Recovery and hired a public relations firm to develop a crisis management plan (PDF) to deal with bad press.
Over the next three years, about 34,000 Recovery IVC filters were implanted in patients. In October 2005, Bard discontinued the Recovery and began selling a modified version called the G2. By 2006, Bard estimated that 20,000 people were implanted with the filters.
Unfortunately, both filters were linked to high rates of fracture and embolization in a study published in 2010. When the thin wire legs of the device break off, they can travel in the bloodstream, perforate internal organs, and cause life-threatening heart problems. They may also be impossible to remove.
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.
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.
