Key IVC Filter Complications Which Are Life-Threatening
The
Boston Scientific manufactured Greenfield Filters have caused multiple
complications among patients. These metallic implants have been linked
with lower limb deep vein thrombosis and other complications. Let’s
review how the Greenfield filter, and other similar implants, impacts
the patients.
The
Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters, the small metallic devices, are used
as a substitute for anticoagulants. Usually, the web-like steel implant
traps the blood clots from traveling to the heart, minimizing the risks
of stroke, heart failure, or pulmonary embolism. Some of the popular IVC
filter brands include the Greenfield Filter by Boston Scientific.
However,
the Boston Scientific implant has been linked to several side-effects
like tremendous pain, heart attack, implant migration, and organ
puncture. If not treated in time, these Greenfield filter complications could
lead to death. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had issued
multiple safety warnings to ensure patient safety. In the warnings, the
agency has pointed out that the implant could lead to:
- Blood vessel perforation
- Lower limb deep vein thrombosis
- Blood vessel perforation
- Device migration
The
agency considers that difficulty in retrieving the implants is a
substantial risk, and surgeons should consider the fact before
recommending the metallic device.
IVC filter and the unfortunate catch
Some
of the variants of IVC filters tend to migrate from their intended
position, making them potentially risky. The metallic implants can
puncture the veins, leading to internal bleeding. A fractured implant
can dislodge and puncture internal organs. In some cases, retrievable
variants can fail to stop the blood clot, leading to strokes.
Usually, IVC filter complications are classified into three categories
1. Procedural – Complications arising when the surgeon inserts the implant
- Vessel puncture
- Bruising
- Incorrect placement
2. Delayed – Issues appearing when the implant is inside the body
- Migration to other parts of the body
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Perforated organs
- Swelling in legs due to blockage
3. Retrieval – Complications popping up when the implant is being removed
- Formation of larger clots
- Formation of scars tissues that prevent retrieval
- Difficulty in retrieving the implant
Greenfield Filter recall
Several
individual lawsuits against the Greenfield Filter show that the implant
has not been thoroughly successful in managing the blood clots. Close
to 18,000 implants were recalled by the pharmaceutical giants owing to several reports of Greenfield filter complications.
What is the sintered metal filter? The sintered metal filter is a filter element that has undergone the process of sintering. The porosity's exploitation allows it to be used for applications such as liquid and gas filtration, gas/liquid flow control, and ventilation applications. Compared to other types of filter materials, such as glass fiber, stainless steel wire mesh, ceramics, filter paper, the sintered metal filters have higher mechanical and compressive strength. filtration solution
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