A study published in the June 2015 edition of the Journal of Vascular Interventional Radiology had some startling statistics for IVC filters. The study seemed to link a perforation rate of 43% to Cook Medical’s Celect IVC filter. The competing filter, the Option filter manufactured by Rex Medical had a 0% perforation rate.
As a part of the study, 86 patients implanted with the Option filter and 86 patients implanted with the Celect filter were monitored. The study took place over a 33 month period. Each patient involved in the study had their filters removed after approximately 2 months.
The study results showed a substantial increase in perforation in the patients implanted with the Cook Medical Celect IVC filter. 43% of the patients implanted with the Celect filter experienced vena cava perforations. None of the patients implanted with the Option filter experienced a perforation.
IVC filters are generally placed in patients at risk for a blood clot. These patients are not able to use traditional blood thinners. The temporary filter is placed into the vena cava as it is the largest vein leading from the lower body. The filters work to block blood clots moving from the lower body from entering the heart and lungs causing pulmonary embolism.
Plaintiffs in lawsuits regarding these filters claim that they break off and migrate to other organs, perforating veins and arteries and becoming embedded in organ tissue.
If you have been injured or experienced complications as the result of having an IVC implant, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the law offices of John Foy & Associates. The “Strong Arm” attorneys will work to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today.