Did You Suffer From The Placement Of An IVC Filter?
A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening event caused by a blood clot that travels to the lungs from the lower body, typically the legs. The clot blocks flow of blood to the lungs and, if not treated promptly, can lead to death. Patients at risk for PEs are often informed about inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement.
The IVC filter is a medical device, placed in the inferior vena cava, which is the large vein running through the middle of your body. When the device is in place, it expands and should adhere to the walls of the IVC so that blood continues to move between the upper and lower body freely. Unfortunately, that’s not always what happens.
The trial lawyers at Kelley Ferraro, LLC, have seen how dangerous IVC filters can be. We have over 25 years of experience representing victims of dangerous medical devices and getting them the compensation they need to carry on. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, we help clients throughout the country.
Did You Have Any Of These Complications?
Patients receiving the IVC filter can experience complications in one or more of these categories, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI):
- Venous access site: The IVC filter is placed by making a small incision in either a vein in the groin or the neck. On some occasion, there may be excess bleeding, hematoma (clotting of blood) or infection.
- Malposition/migration: When the physician places the filter, they may miss their mark or it may migrate from its original placement. An IVC filter that is mispositioned is not likely to serve its intended function, and may also lead to complications in and of itself.
- Defective filter deployment: The legs of the device push gently outward to open the vein and prevent clots from passing through. Unfortunately, the legs can be crossed during deployment, reducing effectivity.
- Internal organ punctures: The legs of the device can puncture veins, arteries, or other internal organs.
- Difficulty removing filter: Often times, complications with IVC filters make it difficult, if not impossible, to remove the filter. If you have had a filter implanted for more than six months you may have a claim.
Compensation Is Possible — Ask For A Free Consultation
The pharmaceutical companies that make these products often wait as long as possible to disclose safety concerns. Their disregard for our client’s lives is all the motivation we need heading into the courtroom. Attorneys at Kelley Ferraro, LLC, offer free consultations. Call us at 216-238-8654 or send us an email so we can get started helping you.
