Deep venin thrombosis (DVT) with or without associated pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common preventable cause of death. Despite the success of aggressive preventative measures and screening programs, the rates of DVT and/or PE continue to be relatively high. Anticoagulation remains the standard therapy for DVT/PE and has been demonstrated to improve clinical outcomes. Despite the proven benefit of anticoagulation, some patients present with clinical situations that do not allow for the use of this proven mode of therapy. For this group of patients physicians increasingly have been turning to inferior vena cava filters (IVC).
What is an IVC Filter?
An IVC filter is a small, spider-like surgical implant, placed into the inferior vena cava, which returns blood from the lower half of the body to the heart. Many IVC filters are designed for short-term use, but some are approved for permanent placement. The IVC filter's metal leg design is intended to hold it in place in the vein, allowing blood flow and filtering of blood clots before they can reach the heart. The number of filter devices implanted in patients has grown to an estimated 200,000 per year according to the FDA.
Contradictions
Contradictions to IVC filter placement are uncommon but should be promptly recognized when they are present. In every invasive procedure, it is important to ensure that essential steps are taken to avoid potentially preventable complications. For the clinicians who insert an IVC, this first step begins with a solid understanding of the indications and contradictions of the placement of such filter.
Inexperience with the delivery mechanism of an IVC filter can result in the inappropriate placement of the device. The commercially available filters in the United States vary in deployment techniques.
Complications
Numerous complications associated with IVC filter insertion and utilization has been reported in the literature and was the subject of a 2010 FDA safety warning. Some significant complications include:
•- Sudden cardiac arrest due to migration of the filter into the cardiac chamber;
•- Death;
•- Arrhythmias secondary to guidewire contact with endocardium;
•- Embolism;
•- Bleeding and/or hematoma at the insertion site;
•- Insertion site infection and/or pyohlebitis; and
•- Retained, misplaced or broken off catheters and venous insertion sheaths.
To conclude, placement of an IVC filter can have significant complications. Migration of a filter into a cardiac chamber is a complication that can result in mortality. Migration may occur at the time of initial deployment or much later.
Filter Fracture
Filter fracture is a phenomenon in which the individual struts of the filter fail and cause malformation of the device. The reported incidence of filter fracture is as high as 10%. The resulting structural change may predispose the device or one of its parts to embolization.
Filter Penetration or Erosion
Penetration or erosion of the IVC wall by filter prongs are rare and mostly asymptomatic events, usually noted incidentally during routine follow-up after the filter placement. Penetration of the IVC wall by the legs of a filter has been associated with perforation/erosion of the duodenum, small bowel, ureter and aorta.
Experienced, Risk Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has suffered serious IVC filter side effects, or if your loved one died as a result of a defective IVC filter, contact Babbitt Johnson Osborne & LeClainche for experienced legal representation. Babbitt Johnson Osborne & LeClainche has a proven record of success in handling complex cases involving defective medical devices, nationwide. To schedule a discussion about your IVC filter lawsuit claim, contact our IVC filter lawyers today, toll-free at (888) 407-5164 or via email at jaosborne@babbitt-johnson.com .
