If you or a loved one have taken (or affected by) Vena Cava Implants (IVC) after 2003 please contact us today.

Inferior Vena Cava Implants / IVC Filters Linked to Serious Injury & Death In Many Patients

Studies show that up to 86% of IVC filters may result in serious side effects or injuries to patients – including fractures that can lead to life-threatening symptoms, hospitalization, permanent disability and death.

If you or a loved one had an IVC filter implanted in 2003 or after, you could have legal options including a lawsuit to recover damages for your injuries.

What are IVC filters?

Inferior Vena Cava filters, or IVC filters or Greenfield filters, are cage-like devices implanted in patients who have an increased risk of pulmonary embolisms, blood clots or deep vein thrombosis. They were designed to serve as an alternative to blood thinners, though some patients also use blood thinners such as Xarelto or Pradaxa in addition to an IVC filter. An IVC filter works by trapping blood clots before they can travel to vital organs like the lungs or heart and cause life-threatening complications. The device is metal and cone-shaped and is traditionally implanted in the inferior vena cava just below the kidneys. Common brands of IVC filters include Bard, Cook and Greenfield.

What are the risks?

40% or more of IVC filters will fracture within 5-6 years. 86% result in serious injuries.

An FDA warning issue in 2010 called for IVC filters to be removed from patients after the danger of pulmonary embolism had subsided. In 2014, the FDA updated their findings, adding that most IVC filters should be removed within 29 to 54 days after the danger of pulmonary embolism was no longer present.

If you or a loved one experienced serious complications while taking medication, had complications with a medical device or experienced a severe injury, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Use this form to request a free consultation with a qualified attorney near you.

Other dangers include:

Device migration causing piercing of organs, heart, lungs and/or the inferior vena cava
The device fractures off, sending metals throughout the body to hit a vein, organ, etc.
Tilting of the device
Inability to retrieve the device because it has migrated, causing it to become ineffective or erode into the body
Device erosion
Cardiac tamponade (a condition where fluid builds up in the space around the heart and interferes with heart function)
Perforation of the interior vena cava, heart, lungs, DVT, blood clots may clog the filter, slowing blood flow into the lungs making it irremovableIn August 2010, the FDA issued its first safety communication concerning retrievable IVC filters NOT being removed once the risk of pulmonary embolism subsided. They also reported thousands of complaints involving migration of the device, detachment of the device components, perforation of the IVC and filter fracture.

What You Can Do Now

You may be entitled to compensation if you or loved one has been injured by an IVC filter. We are looking for patients who had filters implanted in 2003 or after and have suffered permanent or non-permanent injuries including:

Migrated/Shifted
Fractured/Broke
Punctured Organs/Vessels/Lungs
Hematoma/Bruising
Heart Injury
Nerve Injury
Internal Bleeding
DVT
Pulmonary Embolism
Death