IVC (Blood Clot) Filters

 

Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters, commonly referred to as blood clot filters, saw a significant increase in popularity among doctors after the release of particular “retrievable” filters in 2003 and later years. Several models were among this rising trend in temporary IVC filter use including:

 

• Bard G2
• Bard G2 Express
• Bard Recovery
• Cook Gunther Tulip
• Cook Celect

 

These filters are manufactured by C.R. Bard and Cook Medical. Several other models are under investigation as well. The problem with the filters, as the FDA first warned in 2010, is that they have a tendency to defect causing serious injury. Some examples of the reported defects include:

 

• Filter Fracture
• Filter Migration
• Filter Embedment

 

The FDA also warned in 2010 that the longer the device is left in the higher the risk of defect. Pieces of the device have been reported to break off and travel to other parts of the body leading to serious, sometimes permanent injury. Among reports submitted to the FDA were filter migration claims. The device itself has traveled from its implant location and in some instances has become too much of a health risk to remove. The most recent FDA safety communication was an update to the initial 2010 notice and suggested the time frame for which retrievable filters should be removed.

 

Contact us if you have experienced complications after being implanted with a blood clot filter as we may be able to assist you. The call is free and takes only a few minutes to determine if we can help.