Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filter safety hazards increase when retrievable filters (such as the Bard Recovery, G2, or G2 Express) remain in a patient who is no longer at risk of a pulmonary embolism. Some of the most serious complications occur when an IVC filter fractures and broken pieces travel to the heart, lungs, or perforate internal organs. When these complications occur, doctors may be unable to remove the filter, and patients are at risk of lifelong complications.
Need an IVC Filter Lawyer in Texas? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans. If you or a loved one has an IVC filter implant, even if you were not injured by side effects, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
Overview: Retrievable IVC Filters
Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters are used as an alternative to blood-thinning medications to prevent pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs). In recent years, retrievable IVC filters have gained popularity as an alternative to permanent IVC filters.
FDA-approved retrievable IVC filters include:
- G2 and G2 Express (C.R. Bard)
- Recovery (C.R. Bard) — withdrawn in 2005
- Günther Tulip and Celect (Cook Medical)
- Cruz Vena Cava Filter (VCF)
- ALN filter with hook (ALN Implants)
Safety Hazards with Retrievable IVC Filters
Technically, removing an IVC filter is more difficult than placement. In addition, the longer a retrievable IVC filter is left in place, the higher the risk of complications. In August 2010, the FDA published a Safety Communication after they received nearly 1,000 adverse event reports involving filter fracture, migration, chest pain, organ perforation, and other side effects.
According to the FDA, “These types of events may be related to a retrievable filter remaining in the body for long periods of time, beyond the time when the risk of pulmonary embolism (PE) has subsided.”
Studies of Bard IVC Filter Safety Risks
After C.R. Bard withdrew the Recovery IVC filter in 2005, they introduced the G2 and G2 Express. Unfortunately, in a single-center study conducted from 2004-2009, the Bard Recovery (first generation) and Bard G2 (second generation) were both associated with a high rate of fracture and embolization, with potentially life-threatening consequences.
The study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in November 2010, found that 25% (13 of 80 patients) of Bard Recovery filters fractured and embolized. In five cases, filter fragments traveled to the heart.
The Bard G2 was supposed to be an improvement on the Recovery, but during the study, 12% (6 out of 52) Bard G2 filters fractured. In two out of six patients, fragments of a broken filter traveled to an organ.
In another single-institution retrospective study from 2004-2010, researchers found an overall fracture rate of 12% (63 of 548 patients) associated with the Bard Recovery, G2, and G2 Express. However, serious complications were rare.
IVC Filter Lawsuit Information
Free Confidential Lawsuit Evaluation: If you or a loved one has an IVC Filter, our lawyers would like to speak with you immediately. We are evaluating every case regardless of whether you experienced side effects or not. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit. Please use the form below to contact our lawyers or call us toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 879-3040.
Need an IVC Filter Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
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The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our Texas IVC filter lawyers for a free lawsuit review.