For those who have experienced deep vein thrombosis, or other health issues which involve blood clotting, IVCs are the solution. An IVC, or inferior vena cava filter, is a surgical implant used to resolve issues with blood clots and reduce the risk that comes with deep vein thrombosis. It’s a safeguard against pulmonary embolism and it’s often placed in the lower extremity deep vein thrombosis.
Using an IVC filter is part of an increasing trend within the medical community. They became popular in the early 2000s when the device types hit the market. But modern filter designs are drastically different from what the medical community had to work within the early 2000s. Manufacturers worked to create more low-profile devices, and that has led to unexpected complications for many patients. But why exactly are the IVC filter manufacturers responsible for the complications that patients experience?
Understanding the Doctor’s Position
When doctors are treating serious conditions like deep vein thrombosis, they’re often looking to reduce the risk to the patient as quickly and as significantly as possible. Doctor’s often know that these devices can pose a significant risk and it’s possible that they could fracture, migrate, and a variety of other issues. So why do doctors still use these implants?
An IVC filter is still one of the most effective ways to mitigate the risk of pulmonary embolism. However, the trouble comes in the suggested removal of the device. Many advocate that the device should be removed as soon as the patient’s risk of pulmonary embolism has reduced to a reasonable level. In fact, many advocates urge for the prompt removal of a filter could be a preventative measure for complications such as filter fracture and more.
Removal is Not Always Suggested
One of the reasons why IVC filter manufacturers are the ones responsible for complications is because the removal of the device is not always suggested. In fact, many manufacturers advertise that IVC filters are a long-term solution and should remain in place for as long as possible. The medical community is beginning to understand that this advice is not sound.
There is another element that relates to the removal of the device. One of the biggest troubles that come with IVC filter implants is that medical teams are led to believe that they are structurally sound, and should hold up within the human body for a long period.
In two recent studies, about 443 filters were implanted with the intention of removal, but only 7% were successfully removed. In the conclusion of the studies, it was shown that lower approval rates were likely the result of poor follow-up protocol and poor health literacy. The manufacturers are not fervent enough with their clients, those in the medical community and the patients are those who suffer.
IVC Risks and Health Factors
Common risks or health factors that come along with the installation of an IVC filter can include fracture or migration of the device. There’s also the risk of perforation tissue, the vena cava, the lung, and the heart.
Patients report symptoms such as persistent chest pain and shortness of breath. Others have reported pain in their abdomen, and regardless of where the filter migrates to, pain is the most present symptom. It is possible that an IVC filter can break, migrate, or become clogged and result in potentially fatal outcomes.
Washington DC Aid for IVC Filter Damages
Washington DC is known for its role in the medical community and those who have DVT and have had an IVC filter implant may have a different view on that reputation. Although modern filter designs have decreased morbidity and mortality, they are not without complications. It is vital that medical teams work with their patients to weigh the risks and determine when it would be right to remove the implant. With IVC filter installation there is a point where the risk of DVT is low enough that the risk of IVC complications is the more serious concern.
Anyone in Washington DC who has experienced IVC filter damages should discuss the matter with an IVC filter attorney. These manufacturers are well-known for skirting on providing information to the medical community and dissuading medical teams from removing devices. Understand what options you have to recover the damage associated with the IVC filter complications. It’s likely that those who experience complications have unnecessary medical bills to handle or bills that they wouldn’t have had if the device was handled appropriately. Not to mention, the variety of pain and suffering, and time missed from work because of the additional surgeries and time to recover.
