Many patients receive a medical device called an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter intended to prevent blood clots from traveling to their lungs. If you or a loved one was the recipient of this device and suffered adverse effects from its insertion, you may be able to receive financial recovery for your suffering.
If you or a family member suffered severe side effects, had unexpected complications, or if a family member lost their life after receiving an IVC filter medical device, you may be able to join many other men and women in holding the responsible parties liable for your injuries. The manufacturers of these devices should be held accountable for their actions, and a mass tort lawyer may be able to help you do so. A lawyer on our team may be able to help your case by:
- Communicating with you at all stages of the case
- Representing you in court, if necessary
- Evaluating your damages
- Handling all communication with relevant parties
- Filing paperwork within appropriate timelines
- Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Helping you pursue possible compensation
You do not have to fight alone. Our IVC mass tort lawyers in Brookhaven want to help patients just like you get the justice and financial compensation they deserve for damages caused by IVC filters. Call Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. at (631) 600-0000 today to join the fight for justice.
Recalled IVC Filter Brands and Models
You trust your physician to make accurate diagnoses, realistic prognoses, and to choose reliable medical devices to ensure optimal health and recovery in a timely manner. One of these medical devices is a filter used to treat conditions like pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Unfortunately, many of the IVC filters physicians used to treat these conditions have been recalled by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Recalled IVC filters include these major brands and models:
- Cordis OPTEASE Retrieval Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filter – Model Numbers 466F220A and 466F220B
- Boston Scientific Scimed – Titanium Greenfield Vena Cava Filter
- Bard Peripheral Vascular Inc. – Denali Filter-Jugular/Subclavian DL950J and Femoral Delivery DL950F
- Gunther – Tulip Vena Cava Filter Set
In addition to product recalls, the FDA has also issued warning letters to the manufacturers of IVC filters. If you or a family member received one of these brands and models of IVC filters, you may be able to receive financial recovery.
Other brands and models may also be included in a mass tort lawsuit. Call Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. at (631) 600-0000 to speak to us about your eligibility to pursue compensation.
IVC Filter Complications
When the FDA recalls a medical device, it usually means the product has been determined to be defective or pose a serious risk of patient injury or harm. According to research from a study published in Seminars in Interventional Radiology, IVC filters have been shown to pose the following risks and complications:
- Device migration: the IVC filter moves from the position it was placed to a more dangerous location
- Thrombosis: the IVC filter increases the patient’s risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Device fragmentation: the retrievable type of IVC filter fractures at the strut during removal
- Device perforation: the strut portion of the IVC filter penetrates the heart or kidneys
- Pulmonary embolism: the patient experiences dangerous or fatal blood clots in the lungs after implantation of an IVC filter, according to Mayo Clinic.
If you or a loved one experienced any of these dangerous or potentially life-threatening complications after IVC filter implantation, lawyers with Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. may help you understand the steps you can take toward pursuing a monetary recovery.
The FDA Recall Process
When you learn that a medical device inside your body is on a list of recalls, your first reaction might be to contact your doctor to understand how a product recall may affect your health. Once you have spoken to your doctor, you may want to understand how the FDA determines and issues product recalls.
When FDA officials are made aware of potential concerns, they act promptly to minimize patient risk. In most cases, medical device recalls are voluntary on the part of the manufacturer. In other cases, the FDA might voice concerns that prompt the manufacturer to issue a recall. The FDA may also step in and recall dangerous or defective devices. A product recall usually follows the following procedure:
- A product issue is discovered
- The public is made aware of the concern
- The product is inspected for damage or defects
Following a recall, the product is permanently removed from shelves. In some cases, the product may get temporarily removed from shelves until critical corrections are made. If you believe the IVC filter your doctor chose was recalled, contact Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. by calling (631) 600-0000.
Join an IVC Mass Tort Lawsuit Near You
You are not alone in a mass tort lawsuit. Many patients suffer injuries due to defects or improper implantation of IVC filters. Speak to our team of IVC mass tort lawyers today to determine if you qualify to join others seeking compensation.
If your doctor failed to warn you of potential complications, or if you experienced complications after an IVC surgery, contact an attorney who may help you secure your place in a mass tort lawsuit. Call Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. at (631) 600-0000.
