Dallas, Texas Argon IVC Filter Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Dallas, Texas Argon IVC Filter Lawsuit Overview

Legal action has been initiated against Argon Medical Devices and Rex Medical for injuries caused by defective IVC filters, including the OptionELITE model.

The primary allegations focus on device defects that cause filter fracture, migration, and organ perforation when filters cannot be safely removed and become embedded in patients’ vena cava.

Studies have documented serious complications when IVC filters remain implanted for extended periods, including heart attacks, pulmonary embolisms, and organ damage.

The FDA has received 921 adverse event reports involving IVC filters since 2005, with 328 involving device migration and 146 involving embolization.

Argon IVC filter lawsuit claims center on manufacturers’ alleged failure to warn about serious device complications and design defects that prevent safe removal.

Latest Dallas, Texas Argon IVC Filter Lawsuit Updates

• March 3, 2017 – California woman Debra Victor filed lawsuit against Argon Medical Devices and Rex Medical in Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas, claiming her Argon IVC filter became embedded in her vena cava and could not be removed by her physician [1].
• September 2016 – JAMA Internal Medicine published study showing IVC filters provided no survival advantage for trauma patients, with researchers analyzing 451 filter recipients and 1,343 controls. The study found doctors removed only 8% of filters after 3.8 years, far below FDA recommendations for removal within 60 days [2].
• 2014 – FDA issued updated safety communication recommending doctors remove retrievable IVC filters as soon as protection from pulmonary embolism is no longer needed, citing 921 adverse event reports received since 2005 [3].
• 2005-2014 – FDA documented 921 adverse event reports involving IVC filters, including 328 cases of device migration, 146 cases of embolization, 70 cases of vena cava perforation, and 56 cases of filter fracture [4].

Related Article: IVC Filter Lawsuit (2023) Update

FDA Reports and Statistics

The FDA has documented extensive adverse events related to IVC filters through its monitoring system, with 921 reports submitted between 2005 and 2014.

Device migration represents the most common complication, accounting for 328 reported cases, followed by embolization with 146 cases.

Perforation of the inferior vena cava occurred in 70 reported cases, while filter fracture was documented in 56 instances.

These statistics represent only reported events and may not reflect the full scope of IVC filter complications experienced by patients nationwide.

The FDA’s safety communication specifically addresses retrievable IVC filters, recommending removal within 29-54 days when anticoagulation therapy becomes safe again.

However, studies show actual removal rates remain extremely low, with only 8% of filters removed after nearly four years in trauma patients.

Argon IVC Filter Injuries & Side Effects

Argon IVC filters have been associated with serious complications that can result in life-threatening injuries requiring emergency medical intervention and additional surgical procedures.

• Device Complications: Fracture of the IVC filter, device migration, and organ perforation affecting heart, lungs, and blood vessels.
• Cardiovascular Events: Heart attacks, cardiac or pericardial tamponade, ventricular tachycardia, and pulmonary embolism despite filter placement.
• Vascular Complications: Lower limb deep vein thrombosis, insertion-site thrombosis, internal bleeding, and respiratory distress.
• Systemic Effects: Infection, constant severe pain in chest or heart, shortness of breath, hematoma formation, and nerve injury at puncture sites.

Do You Qualify for an Argon IVC Filter Lawsuit?

You may qualify for an Argon IVC filter lawsuit if:

• You received an Argon OptionELITE or other Argon IVC filter between 2005 and present.
• You experienced serious complications including filter fracture, device migration, organ perforation, or inability to remove the filter.
• The injuries required medical treatment, additional surgery, or resulted in permanent disability.
• You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to the Argon IVC filter.
• Your filter was left implanted beyond the FDA-recommended timeframe despite resolution of blood clot risk.

Evidence Required for an Argon IVC Filter Lawsuit

• Medical Documentation: Hospital records, surgical reports, imaging studies showing filter complications, and documentation of device-related injuries.
• Device Evidence: Product identification, implantation records, model numbers (OptionELITE), and documentation of filter placement procedures.
• Treatment Records: Records of complications, additional surgeries, emergency interventions, and ongoing medical care related to filter problems.
• Expert Medical Testimony: Radiological evidence of filter fracture or migration, vascular specialist assessments, and medical expert opinions on causation.

Damages You Can Recover

• Medical Expenses: Emergency treatment, additional surgeries, filter removal procedures, ongoing medical care, and prescription medications.
• Lost Wages: Income lost due to complications, disability, extended recovery periods, or inability to work.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life from filter-related complications.
• Punitive Damages: Additional compensation to punish Argon Medical Devices for releasing allegedly defective medical devices and failing to warn about known risks.

Argon IVC Filter Recall Information

• FDA Status: No widespread recalls issued for Argon IVC filters, though safety concerns have been documented in FDA adverse event reports.
• Product Models: Argon OptionELITE and other Argon Medical Devices IVC filter models.
• Manufacturer: Argon Medical Devices (originally designed by Rex Medical).
• FDA Recommendations: Remove retrievable IVC filters as soon as protection from pulmonary embolism is no longer needed, typically within 29-54 days.
• Safety Concerns: Device migration, fracture, organ perforation, and inability to safely remove embedded filters.

Statute of Limitations for Argon IVC Filter Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for medical device lawsuits varies by state, typically ranging from 1-6 years from the date of injury discovery.

In Argon IVC filter cases, the limitations period generally begins when filter complications are diagnosed and linked to device defects.

• Most States: 2-3 years from date of injury discovery
• Discovery Rule: May extend deadlines when device complications are not immediately apparent
• Product Liability Claims: May have different limitation periods based on when device defects became known.
• Wrongful Death Cases: Separate statutes apply, typically 2-3 years from date of death.

Given the complex nature of IVC filter complications and the time required to establish causation, consultation with legal counsel is essential to determine specific filing deadlines.

Related Articles:

• Cordis IVC Filter Lawsuit
• B. Braun IVC Filter Lawsuit
• Bard Meridian IVC Filter Lawsuit

FAQs

1. What complications are most commonly associated with Argon IVC filters?

The most serious complications include device migration (328 reported cases to FDA), filter fracture, organ perforation, and inability to remove embedded filters. Studies show these complications increase when filters remain implanted beyond recommended timeframes.

2. How many adverse events has the FDA received for IVC filters?

The FDA documented 921 adverse event reports involving IVC filters between 2005 and 2014, including 328 cases of device migration, 146 cases of embolization, 70 cases of perforation, and 56 cases of filter fracture.

3. What makes Argon IVC filters different from other brands?

Argon OptionELITE filters are designed to be either retrievable or permanent depending on patient needs. However, lawsuits allege these filters can become embedded in the vena cava, making safe removal impossible and causing ongoing complications.

4. Do IVC filters actually prevent pulmonary embolism effectively?

A 2016 JAMA study found that trauma patients who received IVC filters had no survival advantage compared to those without filters, questioning the effectiveness of these devices for preventing fatal blood clots.

5. What compensation is available for Argon IVC filter injuries?

Compensation may include medical expenses for complications and additional surgeries, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. The amount depends on the severity of complications and their impact on your health and life.

6. How do I prove that my Argon IVC filter caused my injuries?

Medical records, imaging studies showing filter complications, expert medical testimony, and documentation of the filter model can establish causation. Hospital records of implantation and subsequent complications are particularly important evidence.

7. Should my IVC filter have been removed by now?

The FDA recommends removing retrievable IVC filters within 29-54 days when anticoagulation therapy becomes safe. If your filter remains implanted beyond this timeframe without medical justification, you may have grounds for legal action.

8. Can I file a lawsuit if my filter hasn’t caused obvious problems?

Our attorneys evaluate all Argon IVC filter cases regardless of whether complications have occurred. Some filter problems may not cause immediate symptoms, and early evaluation protects your legal rights.

9. How long do Argon IVC filter lawsuits typically take?

Medical device lawsuits typically take 1-3 years to resolve, depending on case complexity and the number of plaintiffs. Some cases may settle earlier while others requiring extensive medical testimony may take longer.

10. What should I do if I have an Argon IVC filter?

Discuss filter removal with your healthcare provider, especially if your blood clot risk has resolved. Contact our attorneys for a free legal evaluation to understand your rights and options for potential compensation.

See all related medical device lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

Get a Free Dallas, Texas Argon IVC Filter Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for Argon IVC filter injuries. Most states allow only 2-3 years from the date of injury discovery to file medical device lawsuits.

At Schmidt & Clark, we provide:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
• No upfront costs or fees for legal representation
• Payment only if we win your case through settlement or trial verdict
• Experienced legal team with IVC filter litigation experience

Our attorneys understand the complex medical and legal issues involved in Argon IVC filter litigation. We work with vascular specialists and medical experts to establish causation and fight for maximum compensation for our clients.

Contact our law firm immediately for your free case evaluation. Do not delay – legal deadlines are strict and evidence preservation is critical for building a strong case.

References

1. https://www.classactionlawsuithelp.com/optionelite-ivc-filter-class-action-lawsuit/
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27682367/
3. https://evtoday.com/news/fda-updates-safety-communication-on-ivc-filter-retrieval
4. https://sullolaw.com/defective-medical-device-lawyer/ivc-filter-injury-lawsuits/fda-warnings