Ponder Legal Group is investigating claims related to the ability of a medical device called an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter to cause serious personal injuries to recipients, including organ perforation, punctured veins, and death.

What is an IVC Filter?

An IVC filter is a very small medical device fitted with filters which help stop blood clots from traveling through the veins to the lungs. Blood clots in the lungs may lead to potentially fatal pulmonary embolisms, so IVC filters are implanted in patients who are unable to use blood thinning medications or for whom blood thinners have not been successful.

In 2012, more than 250,000 IVC filters were implanted. The market leaders are Cook Medical and C.R. Bard, Inc.

What are the Complications Associated with IVC Filters?

In August 2010, the FDA issued a warning that they had received 921 reports of complications involving IVC Filters. Of these 921 reports, 328 involved device migration, 146 involved detachment of device components, 70 involved perforation of the Inferior Vena Cava, and 56 involved filter fracture. Complications Include:

• Filter fracture
• Migration
• Perforation of the heart, lungs, blood vessels
• Erosion into the inferior vena cava
• Additional surgery
• Filter pieces cannot be removed
• Irregular heart rhythm
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
• Pulmonary embolism of filter fragments
• Death

Were You Injured by an IVC Filter?

If you had an IVC filter implanted and developed health problems, or if a loved one died due to complications from this device, you may have a case and could be entitled to compensation. Contact Ponder Legal Group at 888-201-0305.