What is a Bard IVC Filter?
The Bard IVC filter is a medical device implanted in the inferior vena cava, which is a blood vessel between the heart and lungs. The wire filter is designed to catch blood clots and prevent pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening condition that occurs when blood clots travel from the lower body to the lungs; however, the device has been linked to more than 900 reports of serious complications, including:
- Perforation.
- Migration to different parts of the body.
- Fractures.
- Heart and lung injuries.
- Wrongful death.
What is the Problem with the Bard IVC Filters?
The Bard IVC filters are small, spider-like devices that have a number of legs or struts that extend out from the filter; however, many devices are defectively designed and prone to fracture, migrate or fail.
The Bard IVC filters were sold and implanted in individuals as retrievable filters intended for short-term placement; however, due to inadequate warnings and instructions provided by the manufacturer, many doctors have left the blood clot filters in patients for long periods of time, increasing the risk that the filters may fail or cause severe injuries.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a warning to C.R. Bard, Inc. for eight violations of federal law relating to the safety of its IVC filter products. According to the charges, Bard illegally sold adulterated and misbranded IVC filters and failed to report complications, adverse events and critical information to the FDA and public.
In May 2014, the FDA issued a safety recommendation to doctors to remove IVC filters one to two months after the risk of pulmonary embolism has passed.
What Side Effects or Complications are Associated with the Bard IVC Filter?
Side effects or complications commonly associated with Bard IVC filters include:
- Internal bleeding or fluid build-up around the heart.
- Infection.
- Perforation, puncture and other serious damage to the blood vessels, heart and/or lungs.
- Hematoma or nerve injury at the puncture site.
- Cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening condition involving bleeding in and around the heart.
- Constant, severe pain in the heart, chest or elsewhere in the body.
- Blockage of an artery in the lungs.
- Respiratory distress or difficulty breathing.
- Other serious injury or death.
Do I Have an IVC Filter Lawsuit?
Langdon & Emison is accepting Bard IVC filter injury cases in all 50 states. We will review your potential claim at no cost or obligation to you. If you or someone you know has been injured by a Bard IVC filter, contact our firm for a free consultation at 866-931-2115 or complete an online form.
