IVC filter questions To ask and steps to take

Whether Your Physician is Considering It For You, If You Already Have It, Or If you Currently Have Complications from It

If you’ve been following the news you may have heard about the Inferior Vena Cava Filter (IVC Filter) – and that patients who have had the IVC Filter implanted, both temporary and permanent types, have suffered some serious injuries and even death from organ perforation and device migration. The inferior vena cava is the large vein carrying deoxygenated blood from the lower body to the heart.

We’ve found that while information is prevalent about what the device is, what kind of injuries have resulted etc.– that there is not much information out there that gives you the knowledge to make an informed decision about the IVC Filter.

blood clotIf you don’t already know, here’s a short explanation about what an IVC Filter is and why it’s used:

  • IVC Filters are small cone shaped devices implanted in the inferior vena cava just under the kidneys.
  • IVC Filters are designed to capture embolisms (blood clots) before they have the opportunity to travel to the heart or lungs where they may cause severe damage.
  • IVC Filters are implanted for people who undergo a traumatic event or surgery and cannot take blood thinners.

Questions To Ask: if your physician has RECOMMENDED the IVC Filter for You

an Inferior Vena Cava Filter that is at the center of many IVC Filter Lawsuits

  • Is it absolutely necessary to have the IVC Filter placed? According to an article on vasculardiseasemanagement.com a percentage of filters are placed unnecessarily
  • Are there any alternatives that would be more beneficial or safer than the IVC Filter?
  • Do the benefits of having an IVC Filter outweigh the risks?
  • What are the benefits?
  • What are the risks?
  • Have you ever performed IVC Filter placement surgery?
  • How many IVC Filter placement surgeries have you performed?
  • What is the percentage of complications your patients have experienced from IVC Filter placement?
  • Is there a greater percentage of complications with temporary or permanent IVC Filters?
  • What is the brand Name of the IVC Filter that is being considered for me?
  • Are there increased complications with certain brands?
  • Will the Filter you are recommending be temporary or permanent?
  • What are the risks associated with temporary vs. permanent?
  • What factors did you consider in making this recommendation (temporary or permanent)?
  • Are the risks the same for both temporary and permanent Filters?
  • When would the IVC Filter need to be removed? (if a temporary device has been recommended)?
  • Are there any risks associated with the removal process?

Questions To Ask: If the IVC Filter has ALREADY BEEN PLACED

Man in hospital bed talking to doctor IVC filter questions

  • Is my IVC Filter temporary or permanent?
  • If the Filter is temporary, when will it be removed?
  • What are the risks associated with having the IVC Filter removed?
  • What are the possible symptoms that I would experience if I had complications?
  • Is it possible that I could have IVC Filter complications without any symptoms?
  • Are there any tests that can be run to make sure the IVC Filter Is placed correctly?
  • What are the possible symptoms I would experience if I did have IVC Filter complications?
  • Is it possible that I can be experiencing symptoms but have no damage?
  • Is it possible to have damage without experiencing any symptoms?
  • If there are tests, what kinds of tests would need to be conducted?

Questions To Ask: If You Are EXPERIENCING COMPLICATIONS

x-ray showing IVC Filter implant

  • If there is damage, would I need to have the IVC Filter removed?
  • If there is damage, is there a possibility that the Filter will need to remain in place?
  • If the Filter needs to remain in place are there any increased risks for further complications?
  • How would you asses the risk factors of leaving the IVC Filter in or removing it?
  • Will I need to have my IVC Filter Removed?
  • If the IVC Filter does need to be removed, what type of surgery will this involve?
  • When the Filter is removed do you remove parts or the whole Filter?
  • Have you ever performed IVC Filter removal surgery?
  • How many IVC Filter removal surgeries have you performed?
  • What is the percentage of complications your patients have experienced from IVC removal?
  • How do you assess the risks of leaving it in versus taking it out?
  • What are the risks of having it removed?

Steps To Take: IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING COMPLICATIONS FROM THE IVC FILTER

Client meeting a personal injury lawyer with IVC Filter QuestionsOnce you have spoken with your physician and reviewed your options it may be time to speak with a lawyer to learn if you are eligible for compensation for medical bills and more.

  1. Contact:
  2. Contact d’Oliveira & Associates either online or toll free 800-992-6878

  3. Review & Decision
  4. We work with experienced IVC lawyers around the country and we will together review the circumstances surrounding your IVC Filter complications/injury and determine whether you have a claim. During this process, you will have the opportunity to have all questions answered and will be able to make an informed decision before hiring a lawyer.

Author Photo

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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