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IVC Filter

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Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filter Side Effects

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are small, cage-like devices that are placed in the main vain to capture blood clots and prevent them from traveling to the heart or lungs, which could result in a pulmonary embolism. However, some IVC filters have been linked to serious complications. Life-threatening complications are more likely to occur when the temporary IVC filters are not removed.

 

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the most common complications associated with IVC filters include:

  • IVC thrombosis
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
  • Access site thrombosis
  • Filter migration
  • Caval penetration
  • IVC filter fracture

 

In 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a safety communication regarding the IVC filters, indicating it had received 921 adverse event reports since 2005. The agency noted that 328 reports involved IVC filter migration, 146 involved the detachment of IVC filter components, 70 involved perforation of the inferior vena cava, and 56 involved IVC filter fracture.

The FDA cautioned that many of the IVC filter complications were related to long-term use of the device. The FDA stresses that the inferior vena cava filters are intended as a temporary measure for patients at risk of pulmonary embolism, and that the device should be removed once the risk subsides. The agency encourages physicians to consider the risks and benefits of IVC filter removal for each individual patient.

n May 2014, the FDA issued an update to its 2010 safety communication, noting that it had developed a qualitative decision analysis that suggests that, once the patient’s risk for pulmonary embolism has passed, removal of the IVC filter should occur between 29 and 54 days after implantation.

If you or a loved one suffered IVC filter side effects such as migration, IVC perforation, DVT or pulmonary embolism, you may have a legal claim.

How Do I Document My Claim

It will speed up the process if you have the following information available before you contact us:

  1. Consult your doctor immediately if you suspect an injury. Follow the medical instructions of your doctor or a qualified medical professional.
  2. Keep a notebook detailing the injuries you or a loved one has suffered, with dates and symptoms documented.
  3. Keep track of your prescriptions for the Antibiotic used, note the dosage you have taken and the time period over which you took the drug.
  4. Keep any containers of the drug and make a note of the pharmacies where you had your prescriptions filled.
  5. If possible, document your injuries with pictures or other evidence.

 

Our firms work on a contingency basis which means you will not be asked to pay any money out of pocket.

This process will be very easy. Please feel free to answer all questions honestly as your information is confidential.

This process will be very easy. Please feel free to answer all questions honestly as your information is confidential.

Free Case Evaluation

Common IVC Filter Side Effects

If an IVC filter fractures in a patient’s body the filter, or parts of it, can migrate causing internal injuries including:

  • Perforation of the heart
  • Perforation of the lungs
  • Hemorrhagic pericardial effusion (blood around the heart) - See more at: http://www.aboutlawsuits.com/ivc-filter-12082/#sthash.rc8XdzLe.dpuf
  • Cardiac tamponade (disruption of the heart caused by excess fluid) - See more at: http://www.aboutlawsuits.com/ivc-filter-12082/#sthash.rc8XdzLe.dpuf
  • Ventricular tachycardia (accelerated heart beat)
  • Puncturing of the vena cava
Consult your doctor:

In many cases, the problems require emergency treatment for the blood clot filter removal, which may result in open heart surgery in some cases. Through an IVC filter lawsuit, individuals who have experienced a fracture, failure or migration of their device may be able to obtain compensation from the manufacturer as a result of the allegedly negligent and defective design of these products.

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