Thousands of Americans have received inferior vena cava (IVC) filters to prevent blood clots from making their way to the heart or lungs. However, an investigation has determined these medical devices may actually be putting patients in danger.
IVC filter complications have ranged from parts of the device breaking off and becoming lodged in the body to the entire unit shifting into parts of the body where it can’t be reached.
These cases prompted NBC Nightly News to launch an investigation that determined 27 deaths and more than 300 injuries were the result of such IVC filter failures. Furthermore, it was determined the maker of the Recovery IVC filter, C.R. Bard, Inc., was aware of the problems with its product and took no corrective action.
Documents show Bard hired a consultant to help get the Recovery filter approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The consultant voiced concerns about the safety of the device and refused to sign documents submitting the device for approval. Hwever, records indicate the application for the device was signed in the consultant’s name, leading to questions about the validity of the signature.
If you’ve suffered an injury due to IVC filter complications, you may be entitled to compensation. Time to file an injury claim is limited, and our North Carolina defective product lawyers urge you to learn more about your legal options today.