After 18 years, a woman learns that her IVC implant was the direct cause of an abdominal pain that could have turned fatal.
When Susan Karnstedt began to experience a swelling in her left leg and shortness of breath, she was immediately rushed to the emergency room, where she was diagnosed with a life-threatening condition – deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
Susan understood that her condition was serious and was also aware that she needed to be placed on special treatments.
In 1992, doctors recommended the permanent implantation of an IVC filter; a seemingly safe treatment that would keep blood clots from reaching vital organs.
Nonetheless, in 2010 Susan felt the need to consult with a hematologist regarding her long term use of the Greenfield IVC filter.
To check that the filter was free of clots, and that blood was flowing properly through stents that had been placed in her iliac vein, a CT was performed.
The results were shocking and not what she expected.
Symptoms that signaled medical attention.
When Susan received her CT results, she was devastated to learn that her IVC filter had punctured her intestines.
However, prior to learning that she had been directly affected by this medical device, Susan lived with a chronic abdominal pain that she would describe as a “fork poking sensation”, but never imagined that her IVC filter would have a direct connection with the endless abdominal discomfort.
Susan began to worry that perhaps it was the foods that she consumed that were giving her such a hard time living a normal life. She even began to question whether she should continue her yoga routine and water skiing activities. She also claimed that her pain would worsen as days went by and described it as “debilitating.”
But it never crossed her mind that her IVC filter would be the cause of the agony she was experiencing.
How an IVC complication can make life difficult.
The perforation or migration of these devices have caused plenty of adverse effects through the years. In most cases, the pieces of this device have traveled to the lungs and heart, making it difficult for physicians to perform surgery on patients.
When Susan consulted with the doctors who had implanted her IVC filter, she was told that no one had ever retrieved a non-retrievable filter. They explained that if she did find a physician who would attempt the surgery, it would be unsuccessful.
Fortunately, Susan was able to have her IVC filter removed at Stanford Health Care. Her life was saved, but in many cases, IVC filters have caused death.
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, this risk can increase greatly.
Who to turn to for legal help.
The attorneys at Hotze Runkle PLLC know that a situation of this extent can be frightening and painful. We understand that a crisis can bring forth unexpected expenses that could have a direct effect on your way of life. But you do not have to carry these burdens alone. Let the team at Hotze Runkle PLLC fight for the compensation that will help you through a difficult time.
Call us today for a free consultation at (877) 919-0830
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are a common cause of death in America. Throughout the years, these conditions have been controlled by anticoagulation medication or by IVC filters when medication could be a contraindication. Unfortunately, numerous risks are associated with these treatments that are intended to prevent blood clots.
One of those risks involves the deterioration and migration of IVC filters with studies showing that these metal devices can produce more harm than benefit.
The Attorneys at Hotze Runkle PLLC understand that there is no financial compensation that can recover the loss of a loved one. We also know that pain associated with a traumatic event can never be mended. But we want to help diminish financial burdens placed on you because of the unscrupulous actions of manufacturers. Our attorneys are ready to fight for your case and bring you a positive resolution.
Call us today at (877) 919-0830 for a free consultation.
The Bard G2
A well-known and commonly used filter is the Bard G2. This filter was created by C. R. Bard to replace the Bard Recovery Filter, which was known to have a high number of fractures, and cause serious health issues when left implanted in patients longer than necessary. The Bard G2 was marketed as fracture and migration resistant, as well as having improved centering, but the effects of the device contradicted its promotion.
Approved by the FDA in 2005, the Bard G2 was not any less harmful, as numerous cases arose around fatalities linked to the device.
In 2010, published studies claimed that the Bard G2 had a 12% rate of filter fracture and migration. Patients who suffered these complications found that the device had traveled to the hepatic vein or the lungs.
Sufferers also experienced shortness of breath and persistent chest pains that required emergency medical treatment to determine whether the symptoms were connected to a heart attack or if they were related to filter fracture.
Bard G2 filters were sold despite their flaws.
Despite the issues and fatal cases associated with the Bard G2, manufacturers continued selling the product for five years until 2010, rather than removing them off the market. Approximately 160,000 Bard G2 filters were sold.
Doctors who have dealt with this IVC filter have frequently expressed to patients the dangers of the device and have notified them that the filter frequently fractures and migrates to vital organs.
In numerous scenarios, patients whose filter had migrated to the heart or lungs were at greater risk for an unsafe surgery. In many cases, physicians preferred not to retrieve the device so as not to subject patients to the associated risks.
Doctors and medical practitioners across the country have questioned whether the FDA will effectively regulate products that are dangerous for patient use, and have expressed their disappointment that medical companies are not considering the lives of patients.
When to seek medical attention.
There are various symptoms that can be explicit signs that a patient has been seriously affected by an IVC filter including:
- Constant pain in the heart or chest
- Feeling anxious
- Respiratory insufficiency
- Pulmonary embolus
- Hemorrhages
- Perforation of organs, tissues, or blood vessels
Hotze Runkle PLLC has an experienced team of lawyers who focus on medical device litigation. If you, or anyone you know, have suffered a debilitating injury because of the Bard G2, give us a call today at (877) 919-0830 for a free consultation.
An Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filter is a metal device that is implanted in the vena cava vein to prevent life threatening pulmonary embolism (PE), which is a condition in which blood clots make their way into a patient’s lungs. PE is often treated with anticoagulation medication like Xarelto, however in some cases, blood thinners are counterproductive and can actually bring about harmful results. Therefore, physicians use IVC filters to decrease the risks associated with PE.
IVC filter complications occur in long term use.
As per the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), it is recommended that an IVC filter be removed as soon as the risk for pulmonary embolism has decreased.
However, investigations have proven that IVC filters are not always removed when a patient’s condition has subsided. In fact, a meta-analysis of 37 studies comprised of 6,834 patients found that IVC filters were removed only a third of the time, therefore creating conditions and complications that can jeopardize a person’s health and well-being.
A report released in 2010 indicated that the FDA had received more than 900 harmful reports that involved IVC filters including device migration, embolization of device, perforation of the IVC, and filter fracture.
Fatal complications.
IVC users face many risks including the migration of these devices. The most frequent cause in IVC migration is improper surgical implantation, as well as not removing the devices when no longer necessary.
Filter migration is the term used to describe the shifting or moving of the device within the patient’s veins. In several published studies on IVC filters, there were cases where individuals experienced consequences that directly affected vital organs. Those who were most affected were those who had new retrievable filters.
As per the Journal of Invasive Cardiology, there was a case of a 54-year old man who developed ventricular tachycardia and elevated troponin because of filter migration. When medical exams were performed, medical physicians found that the IVC was in the right heart ventricle.
Physicians were forced to perform cardiopulmonary bypass surgery in order to remove the filter from its dangerous position.
In 27 other cases, it was found that newer filters made of nitinol, phynox, and elgiloy greatly increased the chances of filter migration into the right ventricle. In fact, studies have shown that filter migration into the right ventricle has noticeably increased throughout the years, and has caused life-threatening symptoms including ventricular arrhythmias, deaths, and increased rates of surgical removal.
If surgeons find that it is too difficult to remove a migrated filter, a patient may be required to have frequent monitoring or permanent follow up care.
Who should you contact?
If you or a loved one were injured by the unsafe side effects of an IVC filter, call the law offices of Hotze Runkle PLLC. Our aggressive legal team is committed to your justice. We possess the required credentials necessary for any case involving medical devices.