A Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is a medical term for a large blood clot that clogs the blood flow to the lungs. This is a very serious condition that can be fatal. The mortality rate of someone with an untreated PE condition is an alarming 30%. Some patients are asymptomatic, others can experience a heart attack or death.
When Are IVC Filters Used?
Patients with a higher risk of PE are usually treated using blood thinners. When a patient cannot be administered a blood thinner, a device is sometimes used called an Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filter. An IVC Filter is a small, web-like medical device that catches the blood clots (embolisms) before they can enter the lungs. Once caught, the clots can be broken down by the body and released back into the blood stream safely.
Initially, these filters were not very efficient. First designs actually resulted in the filter being clogged, leading to the very condition that the filter was designed to prevent. Years later, a design was developed for a retrievable IVC filter, and that design is in use to this day.
Complications With Retrievable Bard IVC Filters
The FDA has issued a warning to physicians and patients regarding serious complications experienced by patients administered a BARD IVC Filter. Those complications include migration of the device, breakage, internal bleeding, organ damage, heart attack, stroke, and death.
Help For Anyone Injured By A BARD IVC Filter
If yow were injured by complications of an IVC Filter, please contact a defective medical device attorney at our law firm right away. You may be eligible for compensation for your injuries. Our attorneys are currently offering a Free Consultation about your case to see if you qualify for compensation as a result of the IVC Filter lawsuit. Get your Free Consultation today to find out your legal rights.