Bard IVC Filters
Bard IVC Filter System Injury Lawyers
Bard's Recovery IVC Filter and G2 IVC Filter System have been associated with serious injuries and even deaths. The injuries caused by failure of the Bard Recovery IVC Filter and G2 IVC Filter System have already sparked lawsuits around the country. If you or a loved one has been injured by one of these defective medical devices, our Bard IVC Filter System injury lawyers want to hear from you today.
Bard Recovery IVC Filter and G2 IVC Filter System lawsuits allege that these devices were defective and caused life threatening injuries to the plaintiffs. Such lawsuits seek damages for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. If you were injured by one of these devices, you may also be eligible for such compensation.
Our Bard IVC Filter System injury lawyers are offering free case evaluations to victims of the Recovery IVC Filter and G2 IVC Filter System. If you or a loved one sustained such an injury, it is vital that you contact one of our Bard IVC Filter System injury lawyers today to protect your legal rights.
Bard Recovery IVC Filter and G2 IVC Filter System Injuries
IVC filters, also known as inferior vena cava filters, are medical devices that are implanted in the inferior vena cava vein in order to filter blood clots that travel from the lower portions of the body to the heart and lungs. These clots are called deep vein thrombosis, or DVT. If they travel to the lungs, they can form a life threatening pulmonary embolism. IVC filters were initially marketed to remain in the body for a finite period of time and therefore marketed as retrievable.
The Recovery IVC Filter and G2 IVC Filter System are manufactured and marketed by C.R. Bard and Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. The Recovery IVC Filter was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in 2003. It was marketed as a retrievable device, but safe for permanent placement within the body.
Unfortunately, the Recovery IVC Filter proved troublesome from the start, as several studies published in medical journals pointed to a high failure rate for the device. According to these studies, the Recovery IVC Filter systems were prone to fracture and migration. Most often, these fractured portions of the device migrate to the heart and lungs of its victim; however, they can migrate to other organs. Once the metal pieces have deposited in an organ, grave injury, bleeding, severe pain, further embolus and other complications can occur.
One study, published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology in November 2008, found the rate of fracturing and migration with the Recover IVC filter concerning. To conduct the study, all patients who received a Bard Recovery filter at a single institution were contacted for consultation and evaluation by noncontrast computed tomography. Fourteen of 16 patients with Bard Recovery filters were evaluated. Final images demonstrated filter arm perforations in all 14 patients, and there were a total of four fractures with migration in 21% of patients.
The Recovery IVC Filter was ultimately pulled from the market in 2005. It was replaced by the G2 IVC Filter system, which was modified to reduce filter fracture and migration. The FDA approved this device as a permanent implant device, but not for retrievable use. Unfortunately, studies have shown that the G2 IVC Filter system is also prone to fracturing and migration.
Once the Recovery IVC Filter or G2 IVC Filter system is found to have failed, patients must undergo surgery to remove the device, as well as the broken pieces. However, in some cases, it may be too dangerous to remove the fractured components due to the risk of further injury and/or death.
Warning Signs and Complications of IVC Filter Failure
Warning signs that a Recovery IVC Filter or G2 IVC Filter System has failed include chest pain and shortness of breath. In most cases, victims end up in the emergency room.
The failure of the Recovery IVC Filter or G2 IVC Filter System can lead to serious and life-threatening complications. These include:
- Death
- Constant severe pain in the heart, chest or elsewhere
- Pulmonary embolus
- Respiratory compromise
- Hemorrhage
- Perforation of tissue, vessels and organs
- Constant anxiety or worry over the fact that metal shards are in the organs
Legal Help for Victims of Bard IVC Filter System Injuries
Our Bard IVC Filter System injury lawyers know how awful complications from a fractured Recovery IVC Filter or G2 IVC Filter System can be. We will do everything legally possible to make sure the victims of these defective devices are fully compensated for their injuries.
If you or a loved one were injured as a result of a defective Recovery IVC Filter or G2 IVC Filter System, you have valuable legal rights. Please fill out our online form, or call 1 800 LAW INFO (1-800-529-4636) today to discuss your case with a qualified Bard IVC Filter System injury lawyer.