5 Things You Should Know About IVC Filters

The IVC Filter is a popular alternative for patients who cannot tolerate anticoagulant medication. In fact, nearly a quarter of a million of these devices are implanted each year. However, recent studies show that IVC Filters can come with serious complications. That’s why hundreds of patients are currently filing IVC Filter lawsuits across the nation.

Here are five things you should know about IVC Filters:

1. IVC Filters should be removed after the risk of blood clot passes.

IVC Filters are “retrievable” for a reason: they aren’t meant to stay in your body permanently. Once your blood clot risk passes, the device should be removed. In fact, the FDA says that the ideal time for IVC Filter removal is between 29 and 54 days after the initial implant. If it’s not removed, you increase your risk for lower limb deep vein thrombosis. However, many patients do not get their device removed or have to suffer through failed retrievals (one study suggests that only 8.5% of IVC filters are successfully removed). Many patients do not receive follow-up care at all.

2. Nearly 30 deaths have been linked to IVC Filter complications.

According to an investigative report by NBC, at least 27 deaths have been associated with Bard’s Recovery IVC Filter. Bard has since discontinued the Recovery series of filters, but the problem still persists. Around 12 deaths have been linked to Bard’s replacement filter, the G2 series of IVC Filters.

3. The FDA has received hundreds of adverse event reports associated with IVC Filters.

The FDA had received over 900 adverse even reports linked to IVC Filters. These injuries include:

• Device migration
• Filter perforations
• Filter fractures
• Embolization (movement of the filter, or filter fragments, to the heart or lungs)

4. Trauma patients are 83% more likely to develop deep vein thrombosis with an IVC Filter implanted.

A study has shown that IVC Filters can actually increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in trauma patients. Based on a study made up of 40,000 trauma patients, 803 of whom had an IVC Filter between 2010 and 2014, researchers found that trauma patients were 83% more likely to develop DVT than trauma patients without a filter.

5. The makers of IVC Filters may have known about the risks for complications.

There has been evidence that the maker of the IVC Filter, C.R. Bard, may have known about the potential complications associated with their device, even before the FDA approved it. According to NBC News, Bard may have also forged a signature on its IVC Filter application for FDA approval for its Recovery filter, its most dangerous filter.

Contact an IVC Filter Lawyer

If you experienced any serious side effect of the IVC Filter, you could be entitled to compensation. Hundred of people across the United States have been negatively impacted by the dangerous complications linked with the device. Fortunately, our attorneys at Jones Ward, PLC are actively investigating and monitoring IVC Filter lawsuits. Get in touch with us ASAP if you think you have a claim by filling out our free case evaluation or by calling us at 888-595-2922.