Reports first surfaced in 2005 that the radial arms and struts of medical equipment manufacturer Bard’s Recovery IVC Filter had broken off inside the body of patients. Since that time the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received around 1000 adverse reports involving the filters, primarily regarding the IVC filters fragmenting and embolizing inside the body. Due to these reports, made by both physicians and patients, and extensive research of the filters, the FDA urged physicians to consider the risks before recommending the IVC Filter be installed in patients who are ineligible for anticoagulation therapy. The FDA also recommends that the filters be removed as soon as the risk of Pulmonary Embolism has passed.
Despite the FDA’s warning, Bard’s redesigned IVC Filter has been implanted in more than 65,000 patients. A recent study of 258 IVC filter patients in Ohio indicated that tilting of the filter is a primary cause of failure when retrieving the IVC filter, but the study also mentioned that there was limited proof that “such filters should function as safe, permanent filters.” The latest information featured recently on the NBC Nightly News also questions the safety of these deadly devices.
Legal Commentary
Fears Nachawati represents families who are victims of the dangerous and life threatening effects following IVC filter surgery. If you or a loved one experienced any issues because of an implanted or removed IVC filter, we encourage you to consult with one of our IVC Filter attorneys as soon as possible. A successful civil claim against the responsible party will ensure relief from the burden of costly medical expenses. We will also pursue compensation for the pain, suffering, and lost wages for time missed from work as a result of IVC filter complications. Further questions can be directed to the Fears | Nachawati Law Firm by emailing Majed Nachawati at mn@fnlawfirm.com, or by calling our office at +1.866.705.7584.