Parker Waichman Comments on Advanced Inferior Vena Cava Filter Retrieval Study

2024-12-26 06:27:44 Legal / Law

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Parker Waichman LLP, a national law firm dedicated to protecting the rights of victims injured by defective medical devices and drugs, is commenting on recent study findings involving advanced inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) retrieval. The study's purpose was to identify those factors tied to advanced IVCF retrieval to help in increasing awareness of IVCF retrieval technical considerations, efficiency of retrieval, and patient safety. According to the [National Center for Biotechnology Information](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?cmd=historysearch&querykey=1) (NCBI) at the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM) study results will be published in Cardiovascular Interventional Radiology, December 20, 2015, and entitled, Factors Associated with Advanced Inferior Vena Cava Filter Removals: A Single-Center Retrospective Study of 203 Patients Over 7 Years.

The research involved a single-center retrospective review performed on 203 consecutive retrievable IVC filters placed between 2007 and 2014. Attempted retrievals were deemed advanced if the routine "snare and sheath" technique was not initially successful following multiple attempts, or if an alternate endovascular maneuver or access site was utilized. Patient and filter characteristics were recorded. The retrieval breakdown involved 48.7 percent male and 51.2 percent female for a mean age of 52.7 years and a mean dwell time of 109 days. Advanced retrievals were observed in 20 patients (15 females, 5 males). Females were 3.16 times likelier to undergo advanced retrieval and also revealed a significantly higher tilt angle in those with advanced retrieval. The researchers concluded that women are at increased risk for advanced filter retrieval secondary to a significant change in filter tilt over time compared to men, independent of filter type or competing demographic or filter risks, likely placing them at increased risk for higher procedural fluoroscopy times.

Parker Waichman comments that retrievable IVC Filters, including the C.R. Bard's (C.R. Bard is a unit of Johnson & Johnson) Recovery IVC Filter and C.R. Bard's G2 IVC Filter System, have reportedly been fracturing and migrating inside of patients. This potential defect has led to serious injuries that include perforation of the IVC, as well as perforation of other organs, such as the heart and lungs. When a retrievable IVC filter fractures and migrates, patients may undergo significant pain, bleeding, further embolus, and other life-altering health complications, including death.

Although C.R. Bard's Recovery IVC Filter and G2 IVC Filter appear to have the highest injury rates, other devices have been associated with similar complications. IVC filters being investigated by Parker Waichman include:

¢ B Braun Tempofilter IVC filter (retrievable) ¢ Bard G2x IVC (retrievable, unlimited indwell time) ¢ Bard G2 (retrievable) ¢ Cook Gnther Tulip (retrievable) ¢ Cook Celect (retrievable) ¢ Cordis OptEase IVC filter (retrievable, 23 day indwell time) ¢ ALN IVC filter (retrievable) ¢ Rex Medical Option IVC filter (retrievable)

When an IVC Filter or System has failed patients may experience complications that include:

¢ Chest pain, shortness of breath; constant severe pain in the heart, chest, or elsewhere ¢ Constant anxiety concerning metal shards in the organs ¢ Death ¢ Hemorrhage ¢ Perforation of tissue, vessels, and organs ¢ Pulmonary embolus ¢ Respiratory compromise

Meanwhile, a multidistrict litigation (MDL) has been established for Bard IVC Filter Lawsuits, according to a United States Judicial Panel on MDL Transfer Order dated August 17, 2015, over the Bard IVC filter. The cases have been consolidated in the District of Arizona and lawsuits stem from common allegations that Bard's retrievable IVC filters were defectively designed and prone to fracture, migration, tilt, or perforation of the inferior vena cava. The case is In Re: Bard IVC Filters Products Liability Litigation (MDL No. 2641), the Honorable David G. Campbell is presiding. As of November 2015, more than 50 lawsuits were involved in the MDL.

Once these systems are found to have failed, patients must undergo surgery to remove the device, and its broken pieces, notes Matthew McCauley, Senior Litigation Counsel at Parker Waichman. In some cases, the procedure may be too dangerous to remove the fractured components due to the risk of further injury or death, Mr. McCauley added.

Parker Waichman LLP continues to offer free lawsuit consultations to victims of advanced inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) retrieval. Please visit the firm at [yourlawyer.com](http://www.yourlawyer.com). Free case evaluations are also available by calling 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).