Some patients in Charleston West Virginia may get inferior vena cava filters, or IVC, help prevent blood clots in the leg veins from moving to the lungs. if a blood clot travels to the pulmonary artery of the lungs, it could cause pulmonary embolism, a possible life-threatening condition. While thousands of patients have successfully used IVC filters, there are several injuries caused by the filter itself.
Filter Migration
Though filter migration occurs in less than 1% of cases, it is the most dangerous risk from pieces that get into the heart. It can also be caused by actions of the organs, such as heartbeats or simple body movement.
Many medical professionals consider a filter that has moved more than 2cm migrated. The migration could cause puncturing of the heart, heart attacks and punctured arteries from the wire material or struts. General back pain, nausea, neck pain, chest pain and low blood pressure could be signs of a migrated filter.
Fracturing
The repeated actions of the body may not only cause migration, but also fracturing. Filter fractures commonly occur in devices that have been left in for about one year.
It could also occur from the repeated opening of the strut causing the metal to wear. Fractured filters may cause pulmonary embolism, heart or lung conditions, and general pain in addition to the migration symptoms. Fracture rates commonly make up 1% to 2% of cases.
Tilting and Failure to Open
An error in placement may cause the filter to not open properly and for many other reasons. studies indicate filter failure to open occurs in 0.7 % to 13.9% of cases.
A tilted filter has moved from the upright placement, and it restricts retrieving. Symptoms of a tilted filter could include stroke and free-moving clots because of the device being out of place.
Several makers of IVC filters have mass torts and civil cases filed against them for failure to inform. Patients who experience symptoms after filter placement may be able to file a claim if they didn’t experience the symptoms before.
