Recently, there have been an increasing number of personal injury lawsuits involving defective Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters, particularly against device manufacturers Cook Medical and R. Bard.
IVS filters are described by Raw Story as: “spider-like devices [that] are implanted into a major vein running into one of the heart chambers, and [are] intended to prevent blood clots traveling from the leg and entering the pulmonary system, thus causing an embolism.”
Rather than performing as intended, many of these devices have been “falling out of place, after which they migrate and fracture, allowing small metal fragments to travel into the heart and lungs.”
Just how many people have been affected by failing IVC filters? A recent study showed there is roughly a 43 percent risk of fracturing and/or puncturing a blood vein when a Cook IVC Filter is installed; although, Dr. Shezad Malik in The Legal Examiner suggests that all IVC filter brands have high failure rates, especially the longer they are left in place.
Other companies that manufacture the IVC filters in question include:
- ALN Implants
- Braun Medical
- Boston Scientific
- Cordis Corporation
- Crux Biomedical
- Rafael Technologies
IVC filters were actually developed to be a temporary stopover for patients who have an increased risk for blood clots but who are endangered by traditional anticoagulant medication treatment. The FDA began warning about the dangers of IVC filters in early 2014. They cautioned physicians that the devices should be removed as soon as the patient could safely live without it, and by no means should an IVC be left in longer than eight weeks.
Even with the best medical testing, defective medical products sometimes slip through the cracks. When these mistakes occur, innocent people get hurt.
If you or a loved one were harmed because of a defective medical device or product, seek the assistance of an experienced Tennessee personal injury attorney like Sid Gilreath. Sid has been leading the charge against manufacturers of defective medical products, such as Medtronic Infuse, since he first began practicing law in 1962.
For further assistance, schedule a free consultation with Gilreath & Associates, or browse our blog, knowledge center, and FAQs for additional information.
