IVC filter removal has become a serious problem for patients who received these devices and who have ultimately had them removed.
During this removal process, doctors often have challenges with IVC filter removal because the devices break down and migrate to other parts of the body.
New research indicates that the implementation of a tracking system could help to improve the IVC filter retrieval rate.
Taking out an IVC filter is recommended now because of the dangers associated with long-term use.
The device can break down and get stuck in other parts of the patient’s body. A patient might not know that this is an indication of the need for IVC filter retrieval.
IVC Filter Removal Process Possible with Tracking
This process for IVC filter retrieval is made possible by a semi-automated process that tracks patients who have received an IVC filter.
This was according to a study that was published in the American Journal of Roentgenology.
Despite the fact that many IVC filters developed for the modern market are designed to be retrievable, these devices often face challenges with IVC filter removal when the risk of a pulmonary embolism subsides.
One of the reasons for implanting an IVC filter has to do with cutting down on the risk of a pulmonary embolism.
But plenty of research and adverse event reports filed by people who received an IVC filter allege that it is difficult or impossible to remove the IVC filter in full once the risk period has passed.
When the device has been inside the patient for a long period of time this can greatly increase the chances of complications or can limit the ability of even an experienced surgeon to remove the filter.
The risk of complications associated with long-term implantation of IVC filters is challenging enough that the FDA has released information that these retrievable filters should be taken out as soon as possible.
An IVC filter tracking system can be used to ensure that all filters are taken out in a timely manner, thus greatly decreasing a patient’s risk of facing complications during a removal process.
A filter-tracking application was implemented inside a facility that included a database of patients who had received a retrievable IVC.
This system took approximately 100 hours of development, and deciding whether or not to remove the IVC filter was based on the timing as well as each patient’s condition.
A total of 83 filter retrieval and 293 filter placements were tracked from July 2015 through December of that year.
The filter retrieval rate was about 43 percent during the testing period, an increase of 23 percent from their control testing period.
The IVC filter removal process is often recommended as soon as possible after a patient’s risk of pulmonary embolism has subsided.
If you or somebody you know has already been hurt as a result of IVC filter retrieval, consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
The dedicated lawyers at McDonald Worley are here to help those patients who have suffered unnecessarily and who need help after they have dealt with the consequences of IVC filter removal.