August 9, 2019

Pending lawsuits regarding the retrievable IVC Filters began in January and February 2019, and there could be more due to the number of problematic health risks that manufacturers either knew about and did not disclose or found about and did not report to the public. These cases will be presented by a qualified IVC Filter Lawyer to win the deserved compensation for these oversights.

If you are in a situation where an IVC Filter has been inserted in your vein to limit any blood clots that may travel to your lungs, then you may have a concern about your safety and health due to these manufacturing issues. Here are a few frequently asked questions that you can review to determine your vulnerability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an IVC Filter?

If you had a procedure done by your doctor to prevent blood clots from moving to your lungs and eventually causing the blockage of blood flow, it is possible that an IVC Filter was used. The IVC Filter is a cone-shaped metal apparatus that is placed in the IVC, the large vein in the abdomen. This filters the blood clots that may form and prevents them from flowing to the lungs. Check with your doctor or a qualified malpractice lawyer if you still have questions about your current situation.

When do Doctors Recommend an IVC Filter?

If you are a patient who has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism you could be a candidate for the insertion of an IVC Filter. A patient who has swelling in the legs that causes pain, tenderness, and redness could have a blood clot in the vein hindering the blood flow (DVT). In the case of a pulmonary embolism (PE), the patient already has a blood clot in the lungs stopping blood flow, and there is usually chest pains, shortness of breath, or even a cough.

Doctors very often prescribe anticoagulants like Warfarin or Xarelto to thin the blood and break up the blood clots. However, sometimes, a patient may be allergic to these medications, and the doctor will choose to insert the IVC Filter.

Are IVC Filters Permanent or Temporary?

Originally IVC Filters were designed as a permanent implant to continue to prevent the passage of blood clots to the lungs. However, manufacturers have designed retrievable filters that actually have a hook on the end that allows the surgeon to snatch the device and remove it.

If you have an IVC Filter inserted, your physician will probably evaluate it within six months of the operation. This can be important because if there are complications with misplacement of the filter, or intrusion of the filter into other organs, then the filter can be repositioned or removed. If the original purpose of the IVC filter was in lieu of medication, and the patient is now capable of handling a medication, then it can be removed. IVC filters are still designed to remain in the body for a long time, so this is an optional procedure depending on medical advice.

Are There Any Complications?

Over the last ten years, there have been roughly a thousand reports of problems with this inserted device. The complications may be due to the apparatus actually moving through the vein with the flow of the blood, pieces of the metal framework breaking off and drifting through the vein, and the device fracturing and not working properly. Filter migration is probably the most common problem associated with this insert, and the symptoms can include shortness of breath, chest pain, and dizziness.

Final Thoughts

What on the surface looks like a simple slightly invasive procedure designed to prevent the flow of blood clots to the lungs can become a medical concern as has been reported in recent litigation. The law offices of Cochran, Kroll, & Associates P.C. have the experience and expertise to work with patients to uncover any health-related problems with the use of IVC Filters, and we can focus on any compensation due to the victim. We are available by calling 1-866-MICH-LAW (1-866-642-4529) for a free consultation.