Researchers have found the Bard G2 IVC filter is associated with a 12% fracture rate. Unfortunately, in many cases, doctors cannot successfully remove the fractured device. The FDA has also published warnings that retrievable IVC filters are associated with a high risk of side effects, especially when they are not removed when the patient is no longer at risk of a pulmonary embolism.
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.
What is the Bard G2 IVC Filter?
The Bard G2 IVC filter is a medical device that is implanted in people at risk of a pulmonary embolism who cannot take blood-thinning medications. A pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening condition where blood clots form in the lower body, travel to the heart, and are pumped into the lungs, where they clog blood vessels. The IVC filter is a cage-like device designed to catch blood clots before they reach the lungs. The filter is implanted in the inferior vena cava (IVC), which is the blood vessel between the heart and the lungs.
C.R. Bard is a major manufacturer of IVC filters. The company’s retrievable Bard IVC filters include:
- Bard Recovery IVC Filter (withdrawn in 2005)
- Bard G2 IVC Filter
- Bard G2 Express IVC Filter
Bard created the G2 line of recoverable IVC filters after withdrawing the Recovery IVC filter in 2005. Bard claimed that the G2 had several major design improvements — including reduced risk of migration, enhanced fracture resistance, and better centering, which could extend the length of time the filter can be used before it needs to be retrieved.
FDA Warning for IVC Filters
In 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a Safety Communication warning that they had received 921 adverse event reports due to IVC filters. The agency warned,
“The FDA is concerned that these retrievable IVC filters, intended for short-term placement, are not always removed once a patient’s risk for PE subsides. Known long term risks associated with IVC filters include but are not limited to lower limb deep vein thrombosis (DVT), filter fracture, filter migration, filter embolization and IVC perforation.”
The Bard G2 is a recoverable implant. The FDA has recommended that this type of IVC filter should only be implanted for as long as the patient is at risk of a pulmonary embolism.
Studies of the Bard G2 IVC Filter
Unfortunately, researchers have found that the G2 IVC filter may have similar risks as the Recovery IVC filter, despite design improvements. In February 2012, researchers published this study after they found 12% fracture rate associated with the Bard G2 IVC filter.
The researchers also found that the incidence of filter fractures increased with the amount of time the filter was in the patient. However, only 53.4% of fractured struts (the spider-like legs of the filter) could be successfully removed. Retrieval of the fractured pieces was impossible in many cases. When pieces of an IVC filter fracture, they can cause life-threatening complications — especially if they become embedded in the heart, lungs, or inferior vena cava.
Side Effects of Bard G2 IVC Filter
IVC filters have been linked to several life-threatening side effects, including:
- Fractured filter
- Filter migration (it can change position, which could make it ineffective)
- Perforation of the heart, lungs, or inferior vena cava
- Erosion into the inferior vena cava
- Cardiac tamponade
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Filter may be clogged with blood clots
- Filter may inhibit blood flow to the lungs
- It may be impossible to remove pieces of the filter
- And other serious side effects
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.
Do I have a Bard G2 IVC Filter Lawsuit?
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