Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filter Removal Attempts May Be Difficult or Impossible

Harvey Kirk

By Harvey Kirk
Posted February 24, 2016

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Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters have been linked to hundreds of reports involving severe and disabling complications, including instances where the device migrated, tilted, fractured or caused small parts to travel through the body, potentially entering the heart and lungs.

Most of these IVC filter problems have been linked to retrievable devices, which are designed to be removed after the risk of a blood clot has passed. However, some removable IVC filter designs may make the retrieval process difficult, or leave doctors unable to entirely remove the filter.

If problems are encountered, attempts to remove the IVC filters may result in potentially life-threatening health risks, including:

  • Damage to the Vena Cava or Internal Organs
  • Pieces of the IVC Filter Migrating To the Heart or lungs
  • Loss of the IVC Filter In The Body
  • Other Complications Linked to the Invasive Surgical Procedure

The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential IVC filter lawsuits for individuals nationwide who have encountered complications with removal of the device or problems where doctors were unable to retrieve it. To review a potential case for yourself or a family member, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

IVC Filter Retrieval Risks

In May 2014, the FDA issued an important safety communication urging doctors to remove IVC filters about one or two months after the risk of a pulmonary embolism has passed.

IVC Filter Removal Lawyers

Have You or a Loved One Suffered Problems with an IVC Filter Removal?

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While the benefits of retrievable IVC filters over permanent IVC filters have been promoted by the manufacturers, problems with the design of some devices may make removing the blood clot filter difficult.

In some cases individuals have been told it is too dangerous to attempt to remove the IVC filter, and in others it can not be retrieved simply because it can not be found.

If an IVC filter is irretrievable because it is too close to vital organs or arteries, individuals often are told they need to use blood thinners for the rest of their lives, and have to live under a continuing threat that the device may move out of position at any time and cause them to suffer severe injury or even death.

According to a study published in the medical journal JAMA Internal Medicine in July 2015, data from a single medical center found that out of 648 procedures, about 14.7% of the IVC filter removal cases required advanced adjunctive techniques after attempts to retrieve the device through a standard procedure failed.

In another study published in the medical Journal of Vascular Surgery in September 2015, researchers noted that in some cases they were simply unable to remove the filters, often because the device had tilted out of position.

IVC Filter Removal Lawyers

If you, a friend or family member have experienced complications with IVC filter retrieval, or have been told it is too dangerous to remove one of these devices, financial compensation may be available due to the manufacturers’ failure to adequately warn consumer and the medical community about the potential risks.

The IVC filter lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. provide free consultations and claim evaluations for individuals throughout the United States, to help determine if you or a loved one may have a case.

Our law firm pursues all IVC filter removal lawsuits under a contingency fee agreement, which means that there are no out-of-pocket costs to hire a lawyer and we only receive an attorney fee or reimbursement of case expenses if a settlement or financial recovery is obtained in your case.

CONTACT OUR LAWYERS ABOUT IVC FILTER REMOVAL PROBLEMS

3 Comments • Add Your Comments

  • Steven says:

    green filter installed approx. 35 yrs ago hospital has no records, Dr is dead, Installed at good shepered hospital, have congestive heart failure, heart attack, copd, 1/4 to 1/5 0f heart is dead left side, told filter is unremoveable. No explanation why portion of heart is dead. Heart drs astounded that That I have had filter in for so long. also arterial defibulaton.

    Posted on August 20, 2017 at 4:45 am

  • Irinna says:

    I had an ivc put in 12years ago, doctors attempted to remove filter 3times but it got stuck and damaged. Now filter has its legs out of vein doctors looking to have a camera look inside and if not touching organs then im safe …..:)) so they say. Im praying for my 7year old girl as im a single mum. Hope there is an angel looking over us in this world.

    Posted on November 8, 2017 at 10:49 am

  • JANET says:

    I had the G2 Filter System put in on October 3rd 2008. After a couple of years, I noticed I was having a lot more PVC’s/palpitations (?). For the last year I have had chest pains, as well as when I rub on my veins in my legs and chest it hurts. It is “almost” daily that my arms, neck, back shoulder blade, legs and face sting. I have recently had a Stress test and Echo and passed on that day. In Nov of 2018 had an MRI that stated the filter was still in place.

    Posted on February 18, 2019 at 1:31 pm

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