IVC Filter Failures

IVC Filter Failures

An interior vena cava filter, commonly referred to as an IVC filter, is placed to filter blood clots in high risk patients. The IVC filter functions to catch clots before they make their way from the legs and pelvis of a patient, to the lungs and heart.

IVC filter use is widely debated in the medical world. While proponents argue IVC filters prevent dangerous blockages and/or pulmonary emboli, others believe IVC filters can fail at random, travel and cause damage to other organs; even worse, increase the risk of a DVT (deep vein thrombosis).

IVC Filter Use

For many patients the outcome after IVC filter placement fairs far worse than the original prognosis. IVC filter failure can pose a very serious risk to patients.

Those at risk for an IVC filter include;

• Surgical recovery patients
• PE (pulmonary embolism) patients or high risk cases
• Recent trauma patients
• DVT (deep vein thrombosis) patients

An IVC filter may be recommended for temporary placement while the risk of a clot or PE is high following an above diagnosis or trauma.

The Risks of IVC Filters

IVC filter risks are present immediately following placement of the filter. This is so alarming that the FDA has even issued warnings.

• The IVC filter can fracture or fail
• The Filter can break and travel to the heart and lungs.
• Organ damage can occur
• IVC filters cause an increased risk for DVT and pulmonary emboli

Removing an IVC Filter as soon as it medically safe, or avoiding its use altogether, is the only way to mitigate the risks of IVC filters and surgical complications.

If you or a loved one suffered serious complications following surgery in which an IVC filter was placed, call us NRS today.