Surgical implants come with a variety of potential dangers. IVC filter migration is one of the greatest risks patients face after implantation. Over 35% of FDA adverse event reports involve IVC filter migration, accounting for 328 of 921 reported complaints from 2005 to 2010.
The Problem with IVC Filter Migration
In rare cases, IVC filters may be necessary to prevent pulmonary embolism. However, experts warn doctors to never recommend IVC filters as the first pulmonary embolism treatment. Surgeons should only implant IVC filters once the patient’s anticoagulant medicine stops working, or fails to break up blood clots.
The problem, however, is that only one-third of these retrievable devices get removed. Leaving vena cava filters in too long allows for IVC filter migration to occur throughout the body, causing unnecessary harm.
IVC filter migration can be subtle change, yet still very harmful. Migration occurs whenever the IVC filter shifts more than one centimeter in a cranial or caudal direction.
Signs and symptoms of device migration to the heart include:
- Chest pain
- Hypotension
- Dyspnea
- Tachycardia
- Premature ventricular contractions
- Right bundle branch block
- Asystole
- Neck pain
- Atrial fibrillation
- Confusion
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
In one case, it was reported that the patient presented with symptoms of lethargy and confusion for one week.
Migration Triggers That Can Injure Patients
There are three main migration triggers:
- Mechanical. Mechanical causes typically involve device failure. Surgeons often recognize such issues during surgical implantation. Lawsuits against IVC filter manufacturers for faulty devices are underway due to improper safety testing. Experts suggest they’re actually worse than older IVC filter models made from stainless steel and titanium.
- Iatrogenic. Each filter’s manufactured and approved to fit specific inferior vena cava measurements. When filter migration occurs due to Iatrogenic causes, the guide wires become entangled for central venous line placement. In other words, that filter doesn’t fit the vena cava placement.
- Physiological. Temporary inferior vena cava dysmorphism can produce physiological changes, including filter migration. Actions such as bending, coughing, or Valsalva maneuvers (straining while lifting heavy objects) may dislodge an IVC filter. A filter that already contains a blood clot in addition to any action performed above may also exacerbate the problem, or induce IVC filter migration.
IVC filter migration can lead to organ perforation as well as other other life-threatening complications.
How to Get Justice and Compensation for Your Injuries
Many individuals with IVC filters suffer debilitating injuries. Retrievable devices are left in permanently, and newer ones not properly tested pre-market are now deemed faulty. In a worst-case scenario, IVC filters cause the very injuries and health complications they’re meant to prevent.
If you or a loved one suffered unexpected injuries or complications, you may be eligible for compensation. Because manufacturers recalled faulty devices, plaintiffs demand justice and cash settlements. Learn how to file your own IVC filter lawsuit. Then, fill out your free claim review today to see if you may qualify for financial compensation.
Jared Heath
Jared Heath is the author of The Sound in the Silence. In his role as an SEO content and digital marketing strategist, Jared was directly responsible for managing DrugJustice.com's editorial calendar and published articles on this website from 2015 to 2016. He is now pursuing a new career as a chiropractor.