Although inferior vena cava filters can help prevent blood clots from traveling through the body, the devices are associated with a variety of complications.

Blood clots serve an important purpose. They’re able to stop bleeding and prevent excessive spillage after a cut or injury.

Unfortunately, blood clots can also form when they aren’t needed. Unnecessary clotting has been linked to heart attack, stroke and other serious medical problems.

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are meant to keep blood clots from traveling through the body. However, research shows that these devices may be dangerous.

The Potential For Complications

IVC filters have been linked to deep vein thrombosis, a condition that causes painful swelling of the leg.
Image: Seconds Count

IVC filters are specifically recommended for patients with a high risk of pulmonary embolism (PE), but many health professionals claim the device lacks an established safety profile. Although IVC filters decrease the risk of PE, they may cause a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) published a study from the University of Chicago Hospitals that divided IVC filter complications into three categories: “procedural complications, including those related to both venous access and filter deployment; delayed complications, including filter fracture, migration, IVC thrombosis, and recurrent PE; and complications of filter retrieval after implantation of temporary IVC filters.”

According to NCBI, “certain complications are beyond the control of physicians.” For this reason, it’ is important to be aware of the possible risks associated with IVC filters.

Procedural Complications

• Venous access issues include bleeding, hematoma, inadvertent arterial puncture, and infection
• Malposition
• Defective filter deployment

Delayed Complications

• Filter migration
• Filter fracture
• Vein/organ perforation
• Infection
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Difficult or impossible retrieval

IVC filters are marketed as a permanent or temporary alternative to anticoagulant treatment. However, IVC filters are only recommended for use in patients unresponsive to anticoagulants.

Many patients will have the devices implanted regardless. If you experienced complications with your IVC filter, you may be entitled to compensation.

Click here to take a short survey and learn more about compensation eligibility.

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