Have you had an
inferior vena cava (IVC) filter surgically implanted to catch dangerous blood clots? You should be aware
that a defective IVC filter can pose an even greater risk than the blood
clots it is supposed to stop from reaching your heart. The problem is
that many people receive no warning before an IVC filter becomes defective
and causes harm.
There are a few symptoms, however, that can be indicative of issues with an IVC filter:
- Sharp and sudden chest pain
- Waves of nausea
- Strong neck pain or neck stiffness
- Stroke
How a Defective IVC Filter Harms the Patient
An IVC filter looks much like a collection of thin, metal fishhooks. It is implanted into the inferior vena cava – the large vein that carries deoxygenated or “used” blood back to the heart – with the use of the hooks, allowing it to stay in place and cling to any blood clots that otherwise would have entered the heart with disastrous results. Problems arise, however, when a defective IVC filter starts to slip out of place. The metal hooks used to fashion it to the IVC instead tear or perforate it, which can cause severe internal bleeding and ultimately death.
Some IVC filters have even been known to break apart while inside a patient. The small metal fragments of the filter can also cut the inside of the vein, causing interior bleeding. Worst still, the fragments can travel into the heart, causing life-threatening ruptures or triggering a heart attack.
Kansas City Product Liability Attorneys – (888) 398-2277
Bertram & Graf, L.L.C. and our defective medical device attorneys in Kansas City have devoted their careers to protecting and fighting for the rights of those wrongfully injured by dangerous products and defective medical devices. If you or someone you love have suffered due to a poorly-manufactured IVC filter, we want to be the legal team you rely on. Contact our attorneys at any time to set up an initial consultation, during which we may be able to determine what damages you should seek in your claim.