The Bard G2 IVC filter and the Bard Recovery IVC filter are implanted into the inferior vena cava (IVC) in order to prevent blood clots that may develop in the body from reaching vital organs such as the heart or lungs, a common risk in patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). Since the IVC filter entered the market in 2005, the FDA has received close to one thousand adverse reports involving them. Specifically, it was reported that the IVC filters fragment and cause embolisms in the body.
If you or a loved one received a Bard IVC Filter and suffered fragmentation injuries, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit to recover damages related to your condition.
To begin exploring your legal options, simply complete the Free Case Review form to the right.
FDA Warns Against IVC Filter Use
The FDA has urged physicians to advise patients who are ineligible for anticoagulation therapy to consider the risk and benefits of using an IVC filter. If patients have already received the device and are being to exhibit symptoms of fragmentation, they advise to remove the device immediately.
IVC filter complications should be taken seriously as they can be life-threatening. Of the 921 reported adverse events to the FDA, there were:
- 328 device migrations
- 146 involved embolization or detachment of the device components
- 70 IVC perforations
- 56 IVC filter fractures
Bard IVC Filter Adverse Side Effects
The IVC filters are made of wire. The arms or metal extremities of the filter can fracture or splinter and be transported by the bloodstream to the important organs they were designed to protect from blood clots. IVC filters can be implanted permanently or temporarily, depending on the circumstances of the patient. The longer the device remains in the body, the more likely splintering will occur.
Some of the most common adverse side effects include:
- IVC Filter arms fracture
- IVC Filter splinters
- Hemorrhaging
- Perforation of tissue, vessels and organs
- Constant, sever pain in the heart and chest
Side effects require immediate surgery for the removal of splinters or fragments, as well as removal of the device itself.
File a Bard IVC Filter Lawsuit
IVC filters have been around since 1968. However, the Recovery option retrievable filter was introduced to the market in 2002 and the G2 IVC filter model in 2005.
The Recovery was among the first of the retrievable filter line to hit the market. The idea was to expand the market to patients who only had a temporary need for the filters such as trauma and bariatric medical patients or who were contraindicated for anticoagulation therapy. While the market went from $100M to $250M, the adverse rates also increased.
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injury due to an IVC filter, do not hesitate to contact the Bard IVC Filter attorneys at Phillips Law Group to talk about your legal options. If your loved one passed away due to complications related to the device, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit to recover wrongful death damages.
We believe that the makers and manufacturers of dangerous medical devices should be held accountable when their products cause harm to consumers, particularly when they had prior knowledge of the dangers associated with their use.
If you are unsure if you have a claim, do not hesitate to contact our personal injury law firm to schedule a free initial consultation. During your consultation, one of our defective medical device attorneys will assess the merits of your claim and offer guidance on how to best pursue legal recourse for your condition.
With an office in Phoenix, we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of victims and their families throughout Arizona.
For more information on the legal rights which may be available to Bard IVC Filter injury victims and their families or to schedule a confidential, no-obligation consultation with one of our dangerous medical device attorneys, please complete the Free Case Review form on this page.