IVC Blood Clot Filter Defect
Recently, a study was published regarding blood clots in the United States, which can often be prevented by an IVC filter. There are many different types of blood clots which range from pulmonary emboli and heart attacks to strokes and deep vein thromboses. While it is important for the blood to clot to stop dangerous bleeding, blood clots that form in other areas of the body can be life-threatening. In many cases, these blood clots require emergency medical care. Some of the statistics related to blood clots that were published by Stop the Clot include:
- On average, close to 300 people die on a daily basis due to issues related to blood clots.
- On an annual basis, more than a quarter of a million people develop deadly blood clots.
- A similar number die every year due to problems related to blood clots.
- More than half a million people seek medical care every year due to blood clots.
One of the treatment options for individuals who develop blood clots is an IVC filter. While this filter does have its benefits, there are a number of risks that people should think about as well.
IVC Filters: An Overview
The inferior vena cava, often abbreviated IVC, is one of the biggest blood vessels in the body. The job of the IVC is to carry blood from the body back to the right atrium of the heart. From there, it is pumped to the lungs so that it can collect more oxygen. An IVC filter is a small product that is inserted into the inferior vena cava via a surgical procedure. The job of this filter is to catch blood clots that are traveling from the body toward the heart. This filter can prevent the development of life-threatening blood clots, such as a pulmonary embolism. While some IVC filters are designed to stay in the body permanently, other filters are recommended to be removed about one to two months after they have been implanted, according to recommendations from the FDA.
The Risks of an IVC Filter
There are a number of significant risks associated with the placement of an IVC filter. Some of these risks include:
- The development of infections
- Excess bleeding during or after the device placement
- A possible allergic reaction
- Trauma to the blood vessel when the filter is placed
- Movement of the filter to the heart or lungs, causing additional trauma
- The risk of requiring an additional surgical procedure to fix or remove the clot
In some cases, people could develop life-threatening complications after the placement of an IVC filter. These complications can lead to a stressful situation, leaving families wondering what they should do next. Sometimes, the individual and their loved ones are entitled to a substantial financial settlement in what is known as a products liability claim.
A Substantial Financial Settlement
Recently, a federal jury delivered a verdict in favor of a plaintiff who had serious problems with her IVC filter. In this case, the plaintiff received a settlement of about $3 million due to a defective IVC filter. In this case, the filter that was implanted is prone to a number of different complications. The specific filter is prone to tilting and moving out of position. When this happens, the filter can actually damage or pierce the inferior vena cava, leading to life-threatening bleeding. Furthermore, the filter can even move and travel to other parts of the body, such as the aorta. Metal fragments can disintegrate and damage the spine, the heart, and other vital organs. This can lead to emergency surgery. For this reason, anyone who has suffered a complication following the placement or removal of an IVC blood clot filter should reach out to an experienced Sacramento IVC blood clot filter defect attorney today. You and your family may be deserving of a substantial financial settlement.
Sacramento Products Liability & Medical Defects Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, an IVC Blood Clot Filter Defect lawyer. While IVC blood clot filters can prevent the development of life-threatening clots, these devices can also lead to life-threatening complications. If someone you care about has developed complications or required additional surgery after the placement of an IVC filter, please call me today at (800) 404-5400 or (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly advice.
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