Bard IVC Filters
What are Bard IVC Filters?
IVC filters are supposed to protect patients from dangerous blood clots, but these dangerous medical devices are potentially deadly in themselves. An IVC filter is a wire device that looks something like a spider, set snugly against the walls of the inferior vena cava. When implanted, they were designed to prevent blood clots from forming, preventing stroke and other life-threatening events. Unfortunately, studies show that shards can break from the filter and may be just as deadly.
Retrievable IVC Filters, including C.R. Bard's (unit of Johnson & Johnson) Recovery IVC Filter have reportedly been fracturing and migrating inside patients, leading to serious injuries. It is alleged that as early as 2003, Bard's own research showed that the IVC filters posed an unreasonable danger to patients from splintering. The company did not tell the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") about their findings, or warn patients or doctors, and continued to sell and market the deadly Recovery IVC filter until it could create a suitable replacement for the market.
Any one of the metal extremities on the device can fracture and be carried away by the blood stream, finding its way to the heart or lungs. The likelihood of splintering increases the longer the device remains in the body.
Warning signs that a Recovery IVC Filter has failed include chest pain and shortness of breath. A CT scan or other test will be used to determine if the IVC filter system has failed.
If not caught quickly, this can lead to serious and life-threatening complications including:
- Death
- Constant severe pain in the heart, chest or elsewhere
- Respiratory distress
- Perforation of tissue, vessels, and organs
- Pulmonary embolus
- Emotional distress at the thought of metal shards splintering into organs
Recently, a Motion to centralize the existing Bard IVC filter law suits was granted by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation ("MDL"). This will consolidate lawsuits pending in numerous courts around the nation.
The time to act is NOW if you or someone you love suffered serious injury or died due to complications from an IVC filter! Contact our office at (855) 641-7406 for more information.