What leads to IVC filter litigation

IVC filters are given to patients with risks of blood clots in lungs who cannot take anticoagulant medications. These cage-like, metal devices collect the blood clots and prevent them from entering the lungs. The IVC filters are placed in the inferior vena cava which is the major vein responsible for transporting the deoxygenated blood from the lower part of the body to the heart. Patients who have the risk of short-term pulmonary embolism are often treated with retrievable IVC filters.

Health complications

As mentioned, these IVC filters caused a lot of health issues amongst patients of which many were reported to have fatal consequences. Victims of such complications filed for ivc filter litigation claiming for financial compensation for their pain and suffering.

• IVC Filter Thrombosis

The faulty IVC filters can form blood clots in them iteself which is categorized as a subtype of DVT and might result in pulmonary embolism, painful swellings in thighs and legs, inflammation, lower back pain and fever.

• Organ perforation

The devices not only come with the risk of rupture after the implant but there have been incidents where the nerve walls got perforated while placing it. The same line of risk prevails during the removal surgery as well and can cause life risking situations such as retroperitoneal hematoma, sepsis, gastrointestinal bleeding and air embolism. The minute struts can cause severe damage with irreversible consequences.

• Filter migration

The retrievable blood clot filters are usually made up of high-tech alloys. But being flexible in nature, the devices can detach themselves from the intended location and a part of it or the entire filter can drift to other parts of the body. This leaves a huge risk of perforation in the nerve walls or organs. Chest pain, palpitation, unusual heart rates are the common symptoms of embolization. Conditions such as ventricular arrhythmia (rapid heart rhythms) can be a potentially fatal medical emergency condition. There are filed cases of ivc filter litigation were patients suffered from similar situation as they were not aware of the dangers of the implant.

What are the plaintiffs claiming?

The victims of the above sufferings can claim for all the expenses for the ongoing and future medical bills related to the IVC filter complications. The manufacturing companies have the top-notch lawyers to shield them which is why the patient should always take the help of experienced attorneys to determine the worth of their case. Check with the lawyers whether you case is appropriate for a financial compensation.

Nevertheless, it always provides a sense of support when you think there are a thousand others who experienced similar pain and that all are fighting to sue the manufacturing companies who put their profit before the public health.

The claimants can also file for the expenses of the loss of wage, reduced inability to work/earn and for the funeral costs, if any.

Accusation against the manufacturing companies on ivc filter litigation

• the manufacturing companies did not reveal about its potentially harmful side effects
• it can cause internal bleeding leading to hemorrhage
• constant misbranding and advertising about the safety and effectiveness of the devices

they failed to do any proper clinical research about the product before releasing them into the market.