C.R. Bard, the manufacturer of Bard G2 or G2 Express IVC filter Inferior Vena Cava Filters is exposed to many product liability lawsuits, in multiple jurisdictions.
Bard faces three class action lawsuits over its IVC filters, which allege that the medical devices implanted into the inferior vena cava (IVC) are susceptible to fracture and may perforate vital organs or the heart.
The Bard IVC filter class action lawsuits were filed on the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia County, in Los Angeles County Superior Court and in the Circuit Court for Florida, in Palm Beach County.
What are Inferior Vena Cava Filters?
Inferior vena cava filter is a mechanical device treatment for patients at risk for a pulmonary embolism, where a blood thinner anticoagulant is contraindicated or if such medications have not been effective.
The device has a number of legs or struts that extend out like an umbrella to catch blood clots that may break free from the deep veins of the legs.
The Bard Recovery and Bard G2 IVC filters are designed so that they can be removed once the risk of a pulmonary embolism has passed, but many physicians allow the devices to remain in place.
Many individuals have experienced severe and potentially life-threatening complications when one of the struts break, travelling to other parts of the body like the lungs or the heart.
Bard has improved the IVC filter design
Allegedly C.R. Bard has known there are problems with their IVC filters, and that the new Eclipse IVC Filter, is identical to the G2, except that it has undergone electro-polishing to make it stronger and less likely to fracture.
FDA Warnings About IVC Filters
In August 2010, the FDA issued an alert warning about the risk of IVC filter problems, the agency had received more than 900 adverse event reports associated with the products.
The FDA recommended that doctors should remove the filters once the danger of the clot has passed, to reduce the risk of the filters breaking free and traveling through the body.
Bard IVC Filter Class Actions Seeks Medical Monitoring
The Bard IVC filter class action lawsuits involve allegations that the manufacturer knew or should have known for years that their IVC filters were prone to fracture, but failed to warn consumers or the medical community.
The complaints seek to force Bard to pay for the medical monitoring that patients will need to ensure that the filters have not fractured in their body as long as they remain in place.
Shezad Malik is an Internal Medicine and Cardiology specialist, a Texas Medical Doctor (retired) and Defective Medical Device and Dangerous Drug Attorney. Dr. Shezad Malik Law Firm has offices based in Fort Worth and Dallas and represents people who have suffered catastrophic and serious personal injuries including wrongful death, caused by the negligence or recklessness of others.
Comments for this article are closed.