Long-Term IVC Filters Are Risky

Beginning in 2005, inferior vena cava filters (IVC filters) have been used as protection for individuals at risk for pulmonary embolism. Since this time, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received thousands of reports regarding adverse effects associated with these devices. Despite these reports and warnings from the FDA calling for their removal, doctors continue to place and keep the filters in patients, putting them in danger of serious harm.

Dominguez Law can help patients pursue proper legal action against responsible parties. Our firm works hard to make sure that victims injured by a dangerous product can assert their right to the compensation that they deserve from manufacturers and others. If you have sustained an injury or lost a loved one due to an IVC filter, it is important to seek guidance from an attorney skilled in defective drug and mass tort cases.

Litigation Surrounding IVC Filters

IVC filters are devices shaped like small cages that are inserted into the inferior vena cava in order to prevent blood clots from entering the lungs, which would result in pulmonary embolism. IVC filters are used when other options, such as blood thinner medications, are not appropriate, including for patients who have suffered a serious injury that requires surgery. Many IVC filters are placed in patients as a permanent fixture to prevent future pulmonary embolism.

Reports to the FDA have included issues regarding these filters migrating, as well as fracturing and immobilizing. These issues have caused patients to suffer symptoms ranging from severe pain, hemorrhages and perforated organs to fatalities. Based on these adverse effects, in 2010, the FDA recommended that IVC filters only be used as short-term devices, advising that retrievable IVC filters be removed unless there is an extenuating reason to keep them in place. Regardless of this advice, IVC filters continue to be marketed and inserted into patients, increasing their risk of complications.

Although IVC filters have helped many patients, the manufacturers of these devices may have known or may have been reasonably expected to know about the risks associated with their placement in patients, especially given the FDA’s reports as well as other evidence.

Speak With A Lawyer In A Free Consultation

Patients who have suffered serious injuries due to their use of these filters may pursue legal action for the damages that they have sustained such as:

• Medical costs
• Loss of earning or income capacity
• Pain and suffering

Consult an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the legal system in these complicated claims. Call us today at 505-850-5854, or contact us online to set up a free initial consultation.

We work throughout Albuquerque and New Mexico.

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