The IVC filters by Argon Medical have been linked to reports of filter fracture, migration, and other serious complications. In some cases, doctors have been unable to remove the filters because they become embedded in the wall of patients’ vena cava.
Free Confidential Lawsuit Evaluation: If you or a loved one suffered IVC filter complications, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a suit and our Argon IVC Filter class action lawyers can help.
What is the Argon IVC Filter?
The Argon IVC filter is manufactured by Rex Medical and marketed by Argon Medical. The device is implanted into a patient’s body to protect against pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs).
In 2014, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) granted clearance to Argon to begin marketing the IVC filter with a new “over-the-wire” delivery technique [1], which enables physicians to safely deliver the filter to a patient’s inferior vena cava by following the path of a guidewire.
Related Article: IVC Filter Lawsuit Update
How Do IVC Filters Work?
The inferior vena cava (IVC) is the largest vein in the human body. It moves oxygen-depleted (blue) blood from the lower legs to the heart and then the lungs. To prevent blood clots from traveling through the vena cava to the lungs, doctors may implant an IVC filter into the vein.
The device is inserted by a catheter into the patient’s inferior vena cava through a small incision in the neck or groin. The device’s metal wires capture and trap blood clots before they can reach the lungs.
Retrievable Vs. Permanent
The Argon IVC filter is retrievable, meaning it is designed to be removed once the risk of blood clots has passed. In May 2014, the FDA recommended retrieving temporary IVC filters within 29-54 days of implantation. However, in many cases, the devices are left implanted for months or even years.
IVC Filter Complications
- Perforation of the vena cava
- Organ damage
- Incorrect positioning of the filter
- Filter migration or movement
- Circulation problems
- Bleeding and hematoma
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Infection
- Breathing problems
- Cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm)
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Kidney failure
- Filter fracture
- Inability to retrieve the broken filter
- Death
Has a Class Action Been Filed?
At least 3 class action lawsuits have been filed over injuries alleged from Bard IVC filters. However, no such action has been entered to date in the Argon IVC Filter class action litigation. Our lawyers are currently only filing individual claims for injured parties. If you feel you’ve been injured, contact us today to learn more about your legal rights.
Argon IVC Filter Lawsuit Filed in Pennsylvania
March 3, 2017 - March 3, 2017 - A California woman who allegedly suffered complications after receiving an Option ELITE IVC filter has filed a product liability lawsuit against Argon Medical Devices and Rex Medical.
According to the lawsuit, Plaintiff Debra Victor was implanted with an Argon IVC filter on September 19, 2014, to protect her against pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs).
On April 4, 2016, Victor’s doctor attempted to remove the blood clot filter from her body but was unable to because the device had become embedded in her vena cava.
The complaint alleges that Argon and Rex Medical negligently manufactured a defective medical device, failed to warn consumers of potential health risks, and marketed a product that could increase the risk of “severe health side effects, including, but not limited to hemorrhage; cardiac/pericardial tamponade; cardiac arrhythmia and other symptoms similar to myocardial infarction; perforations of tissue, vessels, and organs; and other severe personal injuries and diseases.”
Victor is alleging counts of negligence, strict product liability, failure to warn, and breach of warranty. She is seeking a jury trial and recovery for all claims of action related to the lawsuit, all appropriate fees and expenses, plus punitive damages and any other relief the court deems fit.
The complaint was filed against Argon Medical Devices and Rex Medical L.P. on Feb. 17, 2017, in the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas under case number 170204272.
Related Articles:
- Bard G2 Express IVC Filter Lawsuit
- Bard IVC Filter Lawsuit Florida
- Bard Meridian IVC Filter Class Action
See all related medical device lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.
Do I Have an Argon IVC Filter Class Action Lawsuit?
The Medical Device Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Argon IVC Filter Class Action Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and are currently accepting new injury and death cases in all 50 states.
Free Case Evaluation: Again, if you have problems following IVC filter placement, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.
