Inferior Vena Cava filters (“IVC”) are metal filters shaped like umbrellas. They are implanted for blocking clots from going to the lungs. They are deployed into the vena cava vein where they expand and anchor. They can be retrieved when the clotting issues go away.
The “Failure to Deploy” Defect: What Happens When the Filter Does Not Anchor and Migrates?
There are various medical journal reports of IVC filter migration to the heart, lung, kidney and liver. This happens if the legs of the filter fail to expand/anchor, and the filter travels to the heart and lungs. This becomes a very serious injury if the filter cannot be retrieved by emergency procedures.
Our firm has represented multiple clients who have had the IVC filter or fractured parts migrate to the heart, including the right atrium, the right ventricle, the tricuspid valve and the pulmonary artery. In evaluating a settlement claim, you must also have medical documentation of what the future medical implications could be.
The FDA Adverse Event Database Has Multiple Rports of Entire IVC Filter Migration
The FDA has also reported cases where the filter did not open and traveled to the heart.
October 2020: Denali IVC Filter FDA Adverse Event Report
MDR Report Key 10852429
- Event Description: “It was reported that during vena cava filter deployment, the leg of the filter was allegedly twisted and the filter allegedly failed to expand. The filter was migrated into right atrium…”
September 2020: Denali Filter FDA Adverse Event Report
MDR Report Key 10893432
- Event Description: “It was reported that during a filter placement procedure through the right femoral vein, the filter allegedly migrated to the heart and failed to deploy. It was further reported that the device was allegedly difficult to be removed from the body using a retrieval device.”
August 2018: Denali Filter FDA Adverse Event Report
MDR Report Key 7906123
- Event Description: “It was reported that during a vena cava (ivc) filter deployment procedure, the filter legs allegedly failed to expand. It was further reported that the filter allegedly migrated toward right ventricular. Reportedly, the health care provider was not able to retrieve the filter which result in transferring the patient to the hospital for possible intervention.”
January 2017: Denali Filter FDA Adverse Event Report
MDR Report Key 6301532
- Event Description: “It was reported that during deployment of a vena cava filter, the filter allegedly did not expand and migrated to the heart. Reportedly, multiple attempts were made to retrieve the filter but were unsuccessful.”
IVC Injuries, Litigation and Settlements
Sadly, IVC filters continue to fracture, migrate, and penetrate organs. This can happen at the time of implantation or years after implantation.
