IVC Filter Lawsuit Case Filings Increase, As Focus Narrows In On Available Information On Pivotal Vein

TheProductLawyers.com explains the function of the inferior vena cava vein and outlines the links associated with IVC filters in many of the hundreds of lawsuits filed against the various manufacturers. The IVC is a huge vein that is tasked by the body with moving deoxygenated blood from the lower body to the heart, indicated by Healthline.com. Furthermore, Healthline specifies that the inferior vena cava transports blood to the right atrium of the heart, running behind the abdominal cavity due to two major leg veins linking at the same point.

IVC filters are the focus of common allegations made by plaintiffs, who claim the devices have caused various devastating health complications. IVC filters are designed to prevent blood clots from traveling to an individual's lungs, or heart by way of the pulmonary artery. The devices are commonly used by patients that are intolerant to anticoagulant drugs. Patients are offered 2 types of filters, one of which is temporary, while the other is permanently inserted into the inferior vena cava.

The Food And Drug Administration (FDA) claims that there were 921 reported adverse events with IVC filters from 2005 to 2010. The FDA indicated they received reports that included filter fractures, device migration, and in severe cases embolization. These reports motivated the FDA to encourage IVC filter patients to have their filters removed directly after the risk of pulmonary embolism diminished.

In the last several years, many patients who have suffered from IVC filter complications have filed lawsuits against the device manufacturers, Cook Medical and C.R. Bard. Hundreds of cases have been consolidated into Multidistrict Litigations, in both Arizona and Indiana. MDL No. 2570 against Cook Medical is being overseen in the Southern District of Indiana, and MDL No. 2461 against C.R. Bard is under the jurisdiction of the U.S. District Court of Arizona. Both lawsuits are expected to conduct bellwether trials in the near future.

For more information on IVC filters, to ask questions or to schedule a consultation, contact an attorney at Banville Law by calling (888) 997-3792.