Cook IVC Filter Lawsuits

Cook IVC (Inferior Vena Cava) Filters are small devices designed to be implanted into the inferior vena cava—the large vein that carries blood from the lower half of the body back to the heart—to prevent blood clots from traveling to the lungs, which could result in a pulmonary embolism.

Individuals may choose to pursue legal action against the manufacturer, Cook Medical, if they experienced severe injuries potentially related to the use of Cook IVC Filters.

Some reported complications that might lead to litigation include, but are not limited to:

• Device migration, where the filter moves from its original placement site to other parts of the venous system or adjacent organs.
• Filter fracture, where parts of the device break and potentially migrate to the heart or lungs.
• Perforation of the inferior vena cava or other nearby tissues or organs by parts of the filter.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), which is the very condition the filter is meant to prevent, as clots can form at the site of the filter.
• Recurrent pulmonary embolism despite the filter being in place.
• Difficulty retrieving the filter, which is particularly concerning with filters intended for temporary use.
• Infection at the implantation site or related to the device.

The product liability lawsuits allege that design defects in Cook IVC filter may have caused the filter to fracture and/or migrate, which may cause the perforation of an organ.

Cook IVC Filter Litigation Update [May 2024]

Judge Richard L. Young has issued an Order for each plaintiff to categorize their injuries and device failure. This appears to be useful in approaching a settlement.

The Allegations Against Cook IVC Filters

There is ongoing litigation against Cook for injuries caused by their IVC Filters. Allegations include (but not limited to):

• Poor/defective design
• Presenting an unreasonable risk of migration of the device
• Presenting an unreasonable risk of perforation and damage to the vena cava wall
• Unreasonable and carless manufacturing
• Poor strength and structure integrity of design
• Failure to warn

Read more about information and potential defects of Cook IVC Filters HERE.