Have you or someone you know been harmed by IVC filter side effects? Growing numbers of patients have been coming forward with concerns and legal claims after suffering serious IVC filter side effects.
IVC filters were developed and designed to avoid life-threatening blood clots occurring in a patient’s lungs. This condition is referred to as pulmonary embolism. In the past decade, however, hundreds of patients have filed adverse event reports with the Food & Drug Administration. Many of these patients had no idea they were at risk for severe IVC filter side effects.
A pulmonary embolism could cause a fatal artery blockage, and the device is intended to capture these blood clots. IVC filters can be given to patients as retrievable or permanent implants. From 2005 to 2010, however, more than 1,000 complaints were filed with the FDA due to complications. Many of the most complicated side effects occur when doctors try to remove the device. Patients might not even realize the severity of the situation until it’s too late.
Reports indicate that when temporary IVC filters are left in too long, the patient faces a much higher risk of serious injury or problems when removing them. Fractures and migrations are more common when a retrievable IVC filter is left inside the body for longer than necessary, and the removal procedure comes with its own complications.
Common IVC Filter Side Effects
Some of the most common IVC filter side effects include filter fractures, embolization, movement of the device and fragments traveling to the lungs and heart, and perforation. Many of these patients have filed lawsuits. Medical device manufacturers may be held liable in court for failing to warn of risks, manufacturing and design defects, and breach of implied warranty.
The most common IVC filter side effects include:
- Filter infection
- Filter fracture
- Large blood clots within the filter
- Hematoma
- Access suite bleeding/bruising
- Pulmonary embolism
- Fractured component embolization
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Palpitations
- Fainting
- Chest pain
If you notice any of these complications or have unexplained medical problems after having an IVC filter implanted, you need to consult with a physician immediately. Life-threatening complications may occur if you don’t take action quickly.
Older IVC filters were most frequently made of stainless steel or titanium, but new devices are made using an alloy. As the temperature changes, the filters can become flexible. The device can detach inside the body in whole or in fractured pieces. The device can then be carried upstream with the flood of blood, potentially perforating anything along that path. This means that the filter can detach from the walls of the inferior vena cava, it can travel to the heart or other organs.
If you or someone you know has already been significantly affected by an IVC filter complication, you may have accrued medical bills and lost wages from the side effects.. If this applies to you, you need to consult with experienced lawyers at McDonald Worley immediately to determine if you have grounds for a case.