Published by Our legal team is currently examining the possibility of filing lawsuits on behalf of individuals harmed by inferior vena cava (IVC) filters manufactured by B. Braun. The issues associated with these products range from perforated organs and movement of the device to broken filters, veins puncture, and additional complications.
Free Confidential Lawsuit Evaluation: If you or a loved one has had an IVC filter implanted, you should contact our law firm immediately. Our lawyers are evaluating every individual case regardless of whether you have been injured or not. So, if you have received an IVC filter implant, we would like to speak with you. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a suit against the manufacturer and our lawyers can help.
Table Of Contents
- B. Braun IVC Filter Lawsuit Overview
- Latest B. Braun IVC Filter Lawsuit Updates
- FDA Reports and Statistics
- B. Braun IVC Filter Injuries & Side Effects
- Do You Qualify for a B. Braun IVC Filter Lawsuit?
- B. Braun IVC Filter Models
- Statute of Limitations for B. Braun IVC Filter Lawsuits
- FAQs
- 1. What are the potential complications associated with defective IVC filters?
- 2. What should I do if I suspect my B. Braun IVC filter is causing complications?
- 3. How long do I have to file a lawsuit for injuries caused by a B. Braun IVC filter?
- 4. What types of IVC filters does B. Braun manufacture?
- 5. What was the FDA’s warning about IVC filters?
- 6. What did the JAMA study reveal about IVC filters?
- 7. What is the PRESERVE study?
- Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
B. Braun IVC Filter Lawsuit Overview
IVC filters are small, cage-like devices inserted into the inferior vena cava to prevent blood clots from reaching the lungs in patients unable to take anticoagulants. The lawsuits against B. Braun allege serious complications including perforated organs, device migration, broken filters, vein punctures, and other complications. By 2012, nearly 260,000 IVC filters were implanted in patients across the U.S.
Latest B. Braun IVC Filter Lawsuit Updates
October 2015 – The first large-scale study designed to evaluate the safety of IVC filters was initiated by researchers at the IVC Filter Study Group Foundation. The study, entitled “Predicting the Safety and Effectiveness of Inferior Vena Cava Filters (PRESERVE),” will evaluate the VenaTech LP IVC Filter made by B. Braun Interventional Systems Inc. along with filters from other manufacturers.
August 2010 – The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning regarding potential complications resulting from leaving retrievable IVC filters in patients indefinitely. FDA recommended that the devices be removed as soon as the blood clot risk subsides, typically between the 29th and 54th day after implantation.
April 2013 – A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) looked at the management and complications of blood clot filters in 952 patients [1]. Of approximately 680 patients implanted with retrievable filters, doctors were only able to successfully remove 58 of them.
Related Article: IVC Filter Lawsuit Update
FDA Reports and Statistics
The FDA issued a safety communication in August 2010 regarding potential complications resulting from leaving retrievable IVC filters in patients indefinitely [2].
In a study of 952 patients published in JAMA in April 2013:
- Only 58 out of 680 retrievable filters were successfully removed
- 13 unsuccessful removal attempts were documented
- 8 patients’ filters could not be removed because they were embedded
- 3 patients’ filters had punctured a blood vessel
- 2 patients’ devices had migrated from the implant site
- 1 patient had a blood clot inside the vena cava filter
B. Braun IVC Filter Injuries & Side Effects
The following serious complications have been associated with B. Braun IVC filters:
- Device Migration: Filter moves from original implant location
- Fracture: Breaking of the device into fragments
- Perforation: Puncturing of the vena cava or other organs
- Internal Bleeding: Hemorrhage resulting from organ perforation
- Insertion-site Thrombosis: Blood clots at the insertion site
- Cardiac or Pericardial Tamponade: Pressure on the heart from too much blood and fluid in the sac surrounding it [3]
- Ventricle Tachycardia: Abnormal heart rhythm
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Blood clots in the lower limbs
- Pulmonary Embolism (PE): Blood clots in the lungs
- Respiratory Distress: Difficulty breathing
- Death: Fatal complications in severe cases
Do You Qualify for a B. Braun IVC Filter Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a B. Braun IVC Filter lawsuit if:
- You received a B. Braun IVC filter implant
- You experienced complications such as filter migration, fracture, perforation, or other serious side effects
- The injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization
- You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to the B. Braun IVC filter
Evidence Required for a B. Braun IVC Filter Lawsuit
To pursue a B. Braun IVC Filter lawsuit, you will need:
- Medical records confirming the implantation of a B. Braun IVC filter
- Documentation of complications or injuries related to the device
- Evidence of medical treatments required due to these complications
Damages You Can Recover
Compensation from a B. Braun IVC Filter lawsuit may include:
- Medical expenses for treatments, surgeries, and ongoing care
- Lost wages due to inability to work
- Pain and suffering related to your injuries
- Other damages as applicable to your specific case
B. Braun IVC Filter Models
IVC filters made by B. Braun include:
Statute of Limitations for B. Braun IVC Filter Lawsuits
The statute of limitations varies by state but typically ranges from one to three years from the date of injury or discovery of the injury. Consult with an attorney to ensure timely filing of your case.
FAQs
1. What are the potential complications associated with defective IVC filters?
Complications include filter migration, vena cava perforation, filter fracture, embolization of filter fragments, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and organ damage.
2. What should I do if I suspect my B. Braun IVC filter is causing complications?
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or leg swelling. Contact your healthcare provider for an evaluation and imaging studies to assess the filter.
3. How long do I have to file a lawsuit for injuries caused by a B. Braun IVC filter?
The statute of limitations varies by state but typically ranges from one to three years from the date of injury or discovery of the injury. Consult with an attorney to ensure timely filing.
4. What types of IVC filters does B. Braun manufacture?
- Braun manufactures several IVC filter models including the Tempofilter, Tempofilter II, VenaTech LGM, and VenaTech LP.
5. What was the FDA’s warning about IVC filters?
In August 2010, the FDA warned about potential complications from leaving retrievable IVC filters in patients indefinitely, recommending removal between the 29th and 54th day after implantation once the blood clot risk subsides.
6. What did the JAMA study reveal about IVC filters?
The April 2013 JAMA study examined 952 patients and found that of approximately 680 patients with retrievable filters, doctors were only able to successfully remove 58, with 13 unsuccessful removal attempts due to embedding, vessel puncture, or migration.
7. What is the PRESERVE study?
Initiated in October 2015, the PRESERVE study (Predicting the Safety and Effectiveness of Inferior Vena Cava Filters) is the first large-scale study designed to evaluate the safety of IVC filters, including those manufactured by B. Braun.
IVC filters made by the following manufacturers will be evaluated for the study:
- ALN Implants Chirurgicaux (ALN IVC Filters)
- Argon Medical Devices, Inc. (Option Elite Retrievable IVC Filter designed and manufactured by Rex Medical)
- B. Braun Interventional Systems Inc. (VenaTech LP IVC Filter)
- Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. (DENALI IVC Filter System)
- Cook Incorporated (Cook Günther Tulip IVC Filter)
- Cordis Corporation (Cordis OptEase Retrievable Vena Cava Filter)
- Volcano Corporation (Crux Vena Cava Filter System)
See all related medical device litigations we’ve covered.
Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
Time is limited to pursue legal action for injuries caused by B. Braun IVC filters. The statute of limitations varies by state but typically ranges from one to three years from the date of injury.
The Medical Device Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP is currently accepting new B. Braun IVC filter complication cases in all 50 states. Our services include:
- Free, confidential consultations
- No upfront costs or fees
- Payment only if we win your case
START YOUR FREE CASE REVIEW NOW
References
- http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1669107
- https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-grants-marketing-authorization-inferior-vena-cava-filter-removal-device
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21906-cardiac-tamponade