“Inferior vena cava or an IVC filter is a small, cage-like device that is inserted into the inferior vena cava (the main vessel returning blood from the lower half of the body to the heart) to capture blood clots and prevent them from reaching the lungs. IVC filters are frequently placed in patients at risk for pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs) when anticoagulant therapy cannot be used or is ineffective. Some patients may require long-term protection from PE, and implantation of permanent IVC filters is often performed in these cases. Others only require short-term protection, in which case retrievable IVC filters are typically used, as these devices have the option to be removed once the patient’s risk of PE subsides.” [FDA Safety Communication, May 6, 2014]
Unfortunately, IVC filter surgeries don’t always go as planned, and patients too often become the victims of defective filters. If you’ve had a surgery in which the defective device caused harm, our firm can help you recover the damages to which you’re entitled.
Dangers of Defective IVC Filters
In a U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) safety communication in 2010, the FDA states a concern with issues associated with long term placement of these filters. Associated injuries listed by the FDA are as follows: lower limb deep vein thrombosis (DVT), filter fracture, filter migration, filter embolization and IVC perforation. In addition, a 2011 study showed that the device had a 40% fracture rate after 5.5 years.
Associated IVC filter injuries:
- Death
- Severe pain
- Pulmonary embolus
- Respiratory problems
- Hemorrhage
- Perforation of tissue, vessels, organs
- Migration and fracturing of the device
- Internal bleeding
Defective Products in IVC Filter Surgeries
One possible culprit of complications arising from an IVC filter surgery is a defective product manufactured by Bard and Cook, comprising 85% of marketplace, with Johnson & Johnson comprising 13% of the IVC filter market.
If you received an IVC filter you believe to be the cause of your health complications, we can review your case and help you take the appropriate legal action.
Defective Product Law & IVC Filters
Manufacturers are responsible for the products that they introduce to the market. If one of their products causes harm, then they are liable for the resulting injuries and other costs and losses.
Thus, when a defective medical device is used in a surgery and causes the patient physical harm or economic loss, the manufacturer of the device may be liable for damages. If a manufacturer is liable, then the patient may be able to recover damages like pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost wages. To help you prove the manufacturer of the defective product should be liable for your injuries, get in touch with our IVC filter attorneys today.
Call the IVC Lawyers at Gacovino, Lake & Associates
When you get surgery, it’s hard to imagine that you’ll end up worse off than you started. Unfortunately, that’s the case for some patients when defective parts are used during surgery.
If you’ve been the victim of a defective IVC filter, we can help to get the compensation that you deserve. At Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C., our attorneys have the legal know-how to make sure that your voice is heard in a defective product suit.
To get started, call us today at +1 800-550-0000 or head to our contact page and fill out the form to set up your free consultation.
