What’s wrong with the Bard IVC filter?

Are IVC filters dangerous?

Important information for patients with Bard IVC filters implanted has recently come to light thanks in part to NBC News investigations last year exposing a disturbing pattern of behavior by executive as Bard and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If you or one of the 200,000 people with a Bard Recovery or Bard G2 IVC filter, you may be at risk for serious injury.

• 27 deaths caused by Bard Recovery IVC, according to NBC
• 12 deaths caused by Bard G2/Express IVC, according to NBC, Bard, FDA
• 300 non-fatal incidents associated with Bard IVC filters
• 34,000 Bard Recovery IVC filters implanted into patients in three years
• 160,000 G2/Express IVC filters implanted in five years

IVC filters are spider like devices inserted into a patient’s veins to prevent blood clots from traveling to the lungs, heart, and brain. The problem: Bard IVC filters may be defective and place patients at risk.

IVC filters side effects

Side effects of a defective Bard IVC filter may include:

• IVC filters break apart, sending metal fragments up the patient’s circulatory system and into the heart
• Entire IVC filters may migrate throughout the patient’s circulatory system into their heart
• Metal legs of the filter may pierce veins, putting patients at risk for internal bleeding
• Devices could tip, allowing blood clots to escape and travel to the heart, lungs, or brain

Did Bard know about the dangers of IVC filters?

According to NBC News interviews with a former safety oversight expert hired by Bard to examine the efficacy of its IVC filters, Bard knew for years about the dangers its devices could pose to unsuspecting patients. Reports suggest Bard even went as far as forging its safety expert’s signature to gain FDA approval for its defective IVC filters.

Internal company documents obtained by NBC appear to show Bard knew as far back as 2004 its IVC filters were potentially dangerous and warranted further investigation. Little evidence suggest Bard made any attempt to warn patients with IVC filters about the risk they faced based on the information the company knew at the time.

Bard IVC injury lawsuits

If you or a loved one were hurt by a defective Bard IVC filter, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Patients who suffered serious injuries due to the device migrating, moving, or perforating veins may be entitled to recover for their hospital bills, pain and suffering, and any lost wages incurred while recovering from their injury.

In tragic cases of deaths caused by defective IVC filters, surviving family members may file claims for their emotional pain and suffering and the loss of support and services from their loved one. While nothing can bring a loved one back, the law gives families the legal remedy to seek justice and hold wrongdoers accountable for their careless actions.

Talk to a lawyer for free, no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you

Contact The Cochran Firm, D.C. for an absolutely free consultation about your case. Your case review is completely free and confidential. You have nothing to lose by speaking to our attorneys about your case.

Call us during business hours at 202-682-5800 or at 1-800-THE FIRM (843-3476) to speak to a live representative any time of day, seven days a week. You can also utilize our online contact form and we will contact you as soon as possible.