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A plaintiff in California has filed a lawsuit, accusing major medical device companies of manufacturing faulty models of vena cava filters (IVC filter). A vena cava filter is used to prevent a pulmonary embolism, or a blood clot in the lungs. While this particular filter was approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) before entering the market in June 2009, claims have been made that the product is unsafe and can cause major health concerns.
IVC filters are designed to be either permanently or temporarily implanted within the inferior vena cava, a large vein that carries deoxygenated blood to the heart. The device is intended to filter out the blood clots that the inferior vena cava carries from the lower portions of the body to the lungs and the heart. While an IVC filter can be a life-saver for those susceptible to pulmonary embolisms, it can also cause serious health problems if it malfunctions.
The claim stemmed from an incident in which the plaintiff, who had been implanted with an IVC filter, suffered from a botched attempt to retrieve the filter, which was designed to be used temporarily. The model of IVC filter in question had a “retrieval hook” on it that could allow doctors to quickly and easily extract the device. However, the plaintiff’s doctor was unable to remove the IVC filter because this retrieval hook had become embedded into the wall of the plaintiff’s vena cava.
The complaint claims that the defendants were negligent in manufacturing and distributing an unsafe product without warning customers of its flaws. The potential issues arising from these flaws included hemorrhaging, cardiac arrhythmia, perforations of tissues, organs or vessels, and other potentially life-threatening injuries.
If you or someone you know has suffered illness or injury from an IVC filter or another defective medical device, you may be entitled to financial compensation. The Philadelphia defective medical device lawyers at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler are prepared to help you with your legal needs and will fight for the positive outcome you deserve. We assist clients from Delaware County, Philadelphia County, Chester County and New Jersey. Complete our online form or call our Philadelphia offices at 215-569-4000 or toll-free at 800-369-0899 to schedule a free consultation.