IVC Filter Dangers
When a manufacturer puts a medical device on the market, we trust that it has been thoroughly tested and is safe to use. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and people get hurt. One example is the Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filters which received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in 2003. By 2005, the FDA was already getting complaints about the device.
IVC filters were designed to prevent pulmonary embolisms (blood clots in the lungs) in patients who can’t take anticoagulants (blood thinners). IVC filters are tiny, expanding, spider-like devices designed to capture blood clots from the lower body before they enter the lungs.
The problems with IVC filters is that they can migrate within blood veins and move out of place, break apart, and puncture blood vessels and organs. These problems prompted the FDA to recommend IVC filters be removed from patients once the risk of blood clots was over. Unfortunately, removal of these devices is tricky and not always possible.
Over the last decade, hundreds of injuries and 27 deaths have been linked to IVC filters. Worst of all, there’s strong evidence that the product’;s manufacturer, C.R. Bard, knew of potential problems with the device before releasing it on the market. An investigation by NBC News suggested the possible forgery of signatures and other shady practices during research and development of Bard’s IVC filter.
If you have suffered an injury or lost a loved one due to an IVC filter or other medical device, you need to contact a pharmaceutical litigation attorney. Farah & Farah is currently investigating pharmaceutical litigation claims nationwide. We’;re ready to fight for you against negligent companies.
Call us for a free consultation at (800) 533-3555.
