Retrievable Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filters

Retrievable inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are designed to treat patients with an acute condition causing clots. However, recent medical studies show that after one month, retrievable IVC filters can embed, tilt, migrate, and fracture. Ironically, failing filters themselves can cause clots by disrupting blood flow. A March 2016 article in the Journal of American Cardiology Cardiovascular Interventions warns that “thrombosis of the inferior vena cava (IVC) is an under-recognized entity that is associated with significant short- and long-term morbidity and mortality.”

Liability continues to strengthen as discovery proceeds. When defendants redesigned permanent filters into retrievable ones, weakened structural designs resulted. If filters are retrieved within a month, they are usually safe, something device companies never explained. However, the “temporary” filters were left indefinitely.

Selinger Law Group is filing suits for victims who have had surgical removal of a failed filter or have a filter that can’t be removed because it poses an acute hazard. Bard, Cordis, and Cook are the major players, with smaller market share being held by ALN, Rex Medical, Braun, Birds Nest, and Crux.

Bard has recently indicated that they may consider settling these matters.