New Study Highlights Perforation Risk of Cook Celect IVC Filters

Researchers from the University of Colorado and Northwestern University recently compared the retrievability factor of the Cook Celect IVC filter to the Reed Option filter and found that although retrieval figures between the two were similar, the perforation rate for the Cook Celect filter measured 43 percent. Because many of the filters are not retrieved and removed as recommended, patients implanted with the Celect may be at a very high risk for serious injury or death.

What are IVC filters?

Retrievable inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are small devices resembling spiders that are implanted into the vena cava to filter, or catch, blood clots that have broken free, preventing them from reaching the lungs and causing a pulmonary embolism. IVC filters are designed to be implanted in the body for a limited amount of time and removed when the danger of pulmonary embolism has passed; however, concern has grown that too many IVC filters are not being removed in a timely manner and instead allowed to remain in the body and expose patients to unnecessary risk.

IVC Filter Risks and Complications

In 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued its first safety alert regarding the increase of adverse reports related to IVC filters, and since then, the FDA and numerous studies have uncovered a widespread failure on the part of doctors to remove these devices once they are deemed no longer necessary.

Complications associated with IVC filters include:

• Punctures of the inferior vena cava
• Cardiac tamponade
• Aortic perforations
• Device embolization
• Filter fractures
• Migration of the device
• Ventricular Tachycardia, (an increased heart rate)
• Hemorrhagic Pericardial Effusion, or hemorrhaging around the heart
• Disruption of heart rhythm

Besides Cook, other IVC filter manufacturers, including C.R. Bard, are the subject of a rising number of product liability lawsuits alleging serious harm and death caused by these devices.

When you’ve been harmed by a medical device, you need legal advice from attorneys who have experience standing up to negligent manufacturers and know how to hold them accountable for their products. We pursue nothing less than full compensation for your injuries, and that includes everything – medical expenses, physical rehabilitation, lost wages and pain and suffering.

Call Childers, Schlueter & Smith today at (800) 641-0098 or fill out the form on the page to speak with a lawyer who can advise you on the best course of action to take going forward. Our case evaluations are always free, and are always focused on what’s best for our clients.