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The traditional form of treatment for blood clots and pulmonary embolism is to prescribe anticoagulants to break up clots and prevent future clots from forming and IVC filters are marketed as an alternative for patients who are at high risk of bleeding or have adverse reactions to blood thinning medications. Since their release onto the market, however, hundreds of reports have surfaced that the devices caused serious injuries to the patients who elected to have them implanted. The Chicago IVC filter attorneys of Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC represent the victims of defective medical products and may be able to recover compensation on your behalf if you received a defective IVC filter.
Types of IVC Filters
The most popular IVC filters are produced by C.R Bard, but there are currently eight forms of these devices on the market today. In order to prevent the migration of blood clots to the lungs, heart or brain, these devices are implanted through the inferior vena caval and have tiny arms that open to create a net which captures clots and holds them in place until they dissolve or are broken up. The IVC filters that have been marketed since the early 2000's include the following.
- Bird’s Nest Filter, made by Cook Incorporated
- Vena Tech LGM Filter, made by B. Braun
- Vena Tech LP Filter, made by B. Braun
- Simon Nitinol Filter, made by Bard
- Titanium Greenfield Filter, made by Boston Scientific
- Over-the-wire Greenfield Filter, made by Boston Scientific
- TrapEase Filter, made by Cordis Corp
- Günther Tulip filter, made by Cook Incorporated
- Opt Ease, made by Cordis Corp
- Recovery Nitinol Filter, made by Bard
Mortality Risk Associated With IVC Filters is Unknown
Clinical studies revealed that the use of an IVC filter showed a marked difference in the rate of pulmonary embolism cases within twelve days of placement, but there was not sufficient evidence to support the long-term safety of the devices. Patients implanted with IVC filters showed an increased rate of deep vein thrombosis within two years as well, completely negating any positive effect that the devices may have had on the patients’ health and wellbeing. Anticoagulants have remained the most effective treatment of blood clots, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism and there is not sufficient evidence to suggest that the benefit of IVC devices outweighs their risk.
Permanent vs Retrievable IVC Filter Types
The very first IVC filters that reached the market were meant for permanent placement, but concerns over adverse health events prompted the development of temporary retrievable filters. A wire or catheter is attached to these devices, which allow for their retrieval within two weeks of placement. While in use in Europe, the retrievable devices have not yet received premarket approval by the FDA for use in the United States, but could eventually become the marketed alternative for patients concerned over the risks associated with permanent filters, which may fracture, migrate to other areas of the body or cause the perforation of internal organs, requiring emergency surgery in many cases.
What Medical Device Liability Means for Your Rights
Medical device liability is the legal responsibility of medical device manufacturers to ensure that their devices are safe and when patients receive defective products, they have the right to file a lawsuit for damages in the amount of their medical bills, lost income and pain and suffering. The law provides special protections for consumers by holding manufacturers accountable for defective products even in the event that they did not act negligently. The Chicago IVC filter attorneys of Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC have maximized the recovery of thousands of clients and are the leading medical malpractice and device liability firm in Illinois.
Contact us today to arrange a risk free consultation with one of our attorneys so that we can review your case and your legal options at one of our offices or in the location where you feel most comfortable. Once we’ve had the opportunity to investigate your case more thoroughly, we can let you know what the best course of action would be to maximize the value of your case and your chance of success. We want to assure you also that none of our attorneys will ever require a fee for services upfront and if we fail to win your case or negotiate a settlement with the device manufacturer on your behalf, you will not owe us a thing.
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