How Do IVC Filters Work?

IVC filters are small, cage-like medical devices that are implanted into the inferior vena cava, a large vein that transports oxygen-depleted (blue) blood from the lower body to the heart. The filters are designed to catch blood clots (thrombi) before they reach the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism.

There are 2 main types of IVC filters: permanent and retrievable (or removable). Retrievable filters are intended for temporary placement, and should be removed once the threat of blood clot subsides.

FDA Warns of Problems with Blood Clot Filters

After receiving more than 900 reports of problems with vena cava filters, in August 2010 the FDA issued a warning urging doctors to remove the devices once the danger of a blood clot has passed, before they can break free inside the patient and cause serious damage. According to the warning, FDA had received at least 921 injury reports associated with IVC filter placement. Of these:

  • 328 involved the filter breaking free from the implant site and migrating through the body;
  • 146 involved components breaking loose;
  • 70 involved the inferior vena cava being perforated, and
  • 56 reports were of the devices fracturing inside patients’ bodies.

While the FDA warning did not detail the types of injuries resulting from these complications, it did note that certain events led to “adverse clinical outcomes” for the patients.

Vena Cava Filter Complications

  • Chest pain
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
  • Filter fracture
  • Filter migration
  • Embolization of filter fragments
  • IVC perforation
  • Perforation of the heart
  • Bleeding
  • Organ damage
  • Cardiac tamponade
  • Hemorrhagic pericardial effusion
  • Pulmonary embolism (PE)
  • Emergency surgery
  • Parts of IVC filter permanently embedded in body
  • Death

Which Models are Made by B. Braun?

IVC filters manufactured by B. Braun include:

  • Tempofilter IVC filter
  • Tempofilter II IVC filter
  • VenaTech LGM IVC filter
  • VenaTech LP IVC filter

IVC Filter Settlements

Some individual IVC filter lawsuit settlements have been reached in cases that were set to go to trial. However, the manufacturers have so far been unwilling to settle large numbers of these cases. While we believe they will ultimately be forced to resolve the complaints, there remains significant work to do in the litigation and it may take some time before any large-scale settlements are reached.

Do I Have a B. Braun IVC Filter Class Action Lawsuit?

The Medical Device Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in B. Braun IVC filter lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new injury and death cases in all 50 states.

Free Confidential Lawsuit Evaluation: If you or a loved one has had an IVC filter implanted, you should contact our law firm immediately. Our lawyers are evaluating every individual case regardless of whether you have been injured or not. So, if you have received an IVC filter implant, we would like to speak with you. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit against the manufacturer and our lawyers can help.

FREE Confidential Case Evaluation

To contact us for a free review of your potential case, please fill out the form below or call us toll free 24 hrs/day by dialing: (866) 223-3784.

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