Major Greenfield Filter Complications Leading To Lawsuit

Greenfield Vena Cava Filter is a tiny medical device which is implanted in the vena cava  ofpatients for the prevention of pulmonary embolism in them. Simply put, Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters are used for patients who are at the risk of blood clots but are not tolerant towards anticoagulants (blood thinners).
The vena cava is the largest vein in the human body. The purpose of the vein is to carry the deoxygenated blood from the lower part of the body to the heart. In some patients, the risk of blood clot formation, especially around the legs and thighs is a common phenomenon and is known as deep vein thromboses (DVTs). These clots formation is typically more prominent after elaborate operations such as hip or knee replacements. These clots, if not prevented from flowing in the blood stream, can reach the lungs and cause pulmonary embolism, which might cause blockage in the artery in the lungs leading to a life threatening situation.
To prevent any such serious health issue, the IVC filters were promised to be effective but there were too many greenfield filter complications reported to the FDA soon after they were released into the market.


Let's have a detailed look into the health side effects.

Abdominal or Back Pain - A malfunctioning IVC filter can lead to various symptoms from heart rhythm problems to asymptomatic complications. But, the most commonly occurring sign of an IVC filter migration is severe abdominal and back pain. When a small part of the support rod of the Greenfield filter breaks off, it starts traveling throughout the blood vessels and finally gets stuck into a location not supposed to be. Such pain can be linked with specific physical movements which should call for the urgent attention of the physician.
Unremitting pain in lower extremities - As the IVC filters are implanted to prevent blood clots forming in the legs and pelvis region, any pain in the thighs and legs can be studied as one of the greenfield filter complications. In case of severe pain, you might like to see the doctor immediately as it can be a case of IVC penetration or strut migration. Painfully swollen legs are a potential indication that the device has become clogged. This again calls for contacting the primary care provider.
Pain in the cardiac region - Patients implanted with the retrievable filters must confer with their doctor immediately if there is any sign of:
  • Neck pain
  • Chest pain
  • Nausea
  • Unusually high heart rhythms
  • Lightheadedness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Confusion

What is FDA's say?

FDA’s website cites that the agency has received several negative reports regarding Greenfield filter complications, of which the common ones are:
  • Filter fracture leading to blood clot filter migration
  • Embolization ( when part of the filter or the entire filter has travels from its intended location)
  • Difficulty in removing the filter
  • Perforation of IVC
  • Organ damage due to the migration or detachment of the filter

What do you need to be aware of?

There are some limitations in the retrospective design of these retrievable IVC filters; for instance, it can possibly result in the conditions with asymptomatic complications. The victims of the defective device have filed for lawsuits claiming financial compensation of their undue pain and suffering. They also claim for the loss of wages, pain and suffering and punitive damage.

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