man in hospital bed talking with doctor about his IVC Filter

A man who had an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter permanently embedded in his body has filed a product liability lawsuit against Cook Medical, alleging false advertising. According to a report, the lawsuit accuses Cook Medical of advertising the Gunther Tulip IVC filter as a “retrievable” filter when in reality, it is often impossible to remove. The lawsuit was filed by a Minnesota man who claimed to have suffered injuries as a result of the Gunther Tulip IVC filter. In April 2017, he went to a hospital complaining of acute abdominal pain, where imaging scans showed “displaced struts adjacent to the aortic bifurcation.” If you or a loved one has been victim to a similar injury, do not hesitate to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer who can file an IVC Filter lawsuit for you.

What Are IVC Filters and Why Are They Dangerous?

IVC Filter surgeryIVC filters are small, metal, cage-like devices, which are placed in the inferior vena cava to prevent pulmonary embolism, which is a clot that develops deep in the veins and travels to the lungs. When IVC filters break they can cause potentially fatal complications, such as organ perforation, severe pain, heart attack, internal bleeding, death and pulmonary embolism, the very problem they are supposed to prevent.

The struts of an IVC filter are wire-like structures that help anchor the filter inside the vein. However, when these struts fracture they will travel into the bloodstream until they get stuck in the aorta, heart, lungs or other vital organs, causing severe organ damage and internal bleeding. Unfortunately, this could result in sudden death as a result of severe irregular heart rhythm.

What Is The Basis For This Lawsuit?

Cook Medical is accused of continuing to advertise the Gunther Tulip IVC Filter as safe and effective even though clinical trials show otherwise. Attorneys for the plaintiff allege that Cook Medical knew that the filter could break, migrate and cause serious complications, but failed to warn consumers about these risks. In fact, Cook Medical specifically touted that their brand of IVC filters “reduces the risk of fracture.”

When the struts get displaced, it could also cause the filter to tilt or move out of position failing to trap blood clots, which can cause other serious complications. The lawsuit alleged the strut fractures occurred due to serious design defects. The plaintiff claims he will need regular CT scans for as long as the IVC filter remains in his body – which is forever as the filter is not completely retrievable. If complications occur, he may have to undergo emergency open-heart surgery to remove the filter.

Why Call d’Oliveira & Associates Today?

Lawyer meeting over a IVC Filter LawsuitOur firm is working closely with some of the most experienced lawyers across the nation, who investigate and handle IVC Filter lawsuits regularly. These IVC filter lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay any legal fees or costs until compensation is recovered for you. In the event that you or a loved one is injured as a result of one of these defective IVC filters, you may be able to seek compensation for losses including medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. For a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation, contact us toll-free at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form online.

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Paul d’Oliveira

Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.

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