Bard and Cook IVC Filters Linked to Complications in Patients

Patients unable to take blood thinners to reduce an artery blockage (embolism) may be provided a Retrievable Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filter. These devices are meant to be a “last resort” for healthcare providers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended that these filters should never be left in patients once the risk of pulmonary embolism has passed.[1] However, this warning has gone unheeded by doctors, clinicians, patients, and pharmaceutical companies.

What are the risks of IVC filters?

Retrievable IVC filters have a tendency to break away from where they have been implanted and become embedded into the walls of the vein, or even another organ – as early as one month after placing the device. The device has multiple arms and legs, known as struts, which are designed to keep the filter in place until a blood clot is retrieved. If broken filter pieces migrate, they can be extremely difficult to locate and nearly impossible to remove.

Multiple medical studies have demonstrated that the filters — designed to prevent blood clots and the resulting damage from blood clots — can actually create blood clots, disrupting the body’s normal blood flow.

What should I do if I think my IVC filter has caused injury?

If you think that your IVC filter has migrated, or if your IVC filter is causing you any pain, that is a medical matter that should be discussed with your doctors. They are the ones best suited to investigate failures. If your vascular surgeon has told you the filter has failed in some way, then Allen & Allen is available to discuss your legal options with you.

We can help clients identify the filter. Our firm is investigating IVC filter claims. Contact us for a free consultation by calling 866-388-1307.

IVC Filters Models Subject to Litigation

IVC filters are spider-like wire devices manufactured by various pharmaceutical companies. The filters are designed to catch blood clots in patients before they reach the heart or the lungs. The leading manufacturers of retrievable IVC filters are C.R. Bard and Cook Medical; both companies are defending thousands of lawsuits, including wrongful death claims. These are the specific filter models subject to litigation.

  • Bard Denali filter
  • Bard Eclipse filter
  • Bard G2 filter
  • Bard G2 Express filter
  • Bard Meridian filter
  • Bard Recovery filter
  • Cook Celect filter
  • Cook Gunther Tulip filter

About The Author: Jason Konvicka is a partner and trial attorney with Allen & Allen in Richmond, Virginia. During his 20+ year career, he has achieved numerous record-setting jury verdicts and substantial settlements on behalf of his clients. His practice focuses on medical malpractice, bus accidents and product liability personal injury cases. Outside of the courtroom, Jason is involved with the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association and currently serves on its Board of Governors as Vice President.


[1] http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/AlertsandNotices/ucm396377.htm