In the United States, between 350,000 and 600,000 individuals are affected by blood clots each year. Unfortunately, 100,000 to 180,000 of these patients die due to a pulmonary embolism, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Some are prescribed blood-thinning medications while others receive an IVC filter.

What is an IVC Filter?

Also known as an inferior vena cava filter, an IVC filter is a small, cone-shaped device that is implanted in the largest vein in the body, the inferior vena cava. This vein is responsible for carrying de-oxygenated blood from lower parts of the body like the legs to the right atrium of the heart followed by the lungs. There are about 250,000 patients that receive an IVC filter annually.

What are IVC Filters Used For?

An IVC filter prevents blood clots from making its way from the lower extremities of the body to essential organs such as the heart and lungs. Medical professionals suggest inserting IVC filters to prevent a pulmonary embolism which can cause chest pain, difficulty breathing, or death. The device traps the clot but continues to allow blood flow so natural anticoagulants in the blood will break the clot down over time.

IVC Filter Side Effects

There have been over 1,000 reports of severe IVC filter side effects reported to the FDA. The biggest risk is the device breaking and perforating veins or vital organs. Serious and life-threatening side effects of IVC filter include:

• Filter fracture

• Device migration

• Perforation of the IVC vein

• Heart damage

• Lung damage

• Damage to veins

• Heart blockage

• Disruption of heart rate

IVC Filter Lawsuit

Thousands of victims of IVC filters have come forward to accuse manufacturers of putting their lives in danger for a profit. A man in Nevada sued the manufacturer C.R. Bard in 2012 because the broken device sent a piece of metal into his heart, causing him to need open-heart surgery and extended recovery time. C.R. Bard settled to avoid continued litigation; however, the lawsuits did not stop there. In fact, there are currently nearly 4,000 lawsuits filed against them for the malfunctioning of the IVC filter device. Find out if you qualify for the IVC filter lawsuit.

If you or someone you know has suffered from IVC filter side effects and needed medical treatment due to the injuries sustained, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Bard and other manufacturers put your life at risk. Brindisi, Murad, Brindisi & Pearlman are experienced personal injury lawyers ready to fight for you. Contact The People’s Lawyer for a free IVC filter lawsuit consultation today.

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Tags: IVC Filter Lawsuit, Defective Medical Devices