September 29th is World Heart Day

September 29th is World Heart Day. The day was created by the World Heart Federation in order to educate people about cardiovascular disease and promote heart health. CVD, including heart disease and stroke, is the world’s leading cause of death claiming 18.6 million lives each year.

The Word Heart Federation reports that 80% of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided by addressing risk factors such as lack of exercise, unhealthy diet, and tobacco use.

Here at Hare Wynn, we are commemorating World Heart Day by raising awareness of the harm caused by defective IVC filters. IVC filters are used to protect the heart from blood clots and embolisms after surgery, but a number of these devices have been recalled due to dangerous side effects.

Many people have filed IVC filter lawsuits against the manufacturers. If you or a family member has suffered from the use of an IVC filter, our Birmingham defective medical device lawyers can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

What Are the Negative Side Effects of an IVC Filter?

IVC filters are not meant to stay in place for longer than 3 months, but the problems can begin long before they are removed.

In 2010, the FDA issued a safety alert on the IVC filter due to a rising number of reports on various problems and complications with IVC Filters. Some of these include:

• Short-term placement complications
• Guidewire penetration
• Formation of arteriovenous fistula, or AVF
• Development of a collapsed lung or blood collecting in the chest wall
• Air embolism, the introduction of air into the blood vessel
• Heart rhythm abnormalities
• Access site bleeding
• Misplacement of the IVC filter
• Long-term placement complications
• Tilting or misplacement
• Breakage
• Migration
• Failure to open properly
• Back and abdominal pains caused by long-term complications

Which IVC Filters Have Been Recalled?

Because of the risk of complications from the use of the IVC filter, the FDA issued numerous recalls on the medical device.

Class I Recalls

These recalls were issued for defective products that can adversely affect health and potentially cause death.

Cordis OPTEASE Filter

On March 29th, 2013 the FDA issued a Class I recall on the 33,000 units already on the market.

Greenfield IVC Filter System

On March 10, 2004, a recall was placed on 18,000 units in commerce due to the risks of pulmonary and cardiac embolization.

Class II Recalls

Class II recalls are issued for slight threats of a temporary health condition.

Bard Denali Filters

On March 13th, 2013, Class II recalls were made on 1,183 units on the market due to the risks of sepsis and patient hypersensitivity to nickel-titanium alloys.

Greenfield Filter

On March 5th, 2005, a recall was made due to reports these devices were tearing the vein wall. The FDA has not mentioned how many products were on the market, but distribution was made internationally.

Cordis OPTEASE Filter

On September 27th, 2013, a recall was made after a printing error provided incorrect instructions and resulted in additional surgery to remove the device. 29,395 units were already on the market at the time.

Class III Recalls

Class III recalls are issued for products that violate FDA health codes and manufacturing guidelines but are not likely to cause medical issues.

Gunther Tulip Filter

On February 25, 2019, Cook Medical recalled 91,731 units on the market for errors on instructions and labels.

Who Is Eligible to File an IVC Filter Lawsuit in Birmingham, AL?

IVC filter lawsuits can be filed by anyone who has suffered from the use of an IVC filter or the families of those who have suffered or died from the use of these devices. These lawsuits claim that the manufacturing companies and medical professionals applying faulty products had a debt of responsibility to warn the users of the dangers of these products.

But it will be important to act quickly as there is a time limit in the State of Alabama in which these lawsuits must be filed. This is called the “statute of limitations.” In Alabama, the statute of limitations for filing the lawsuits are:

• Personal Injury — 2 years
• Product Liability — 2 years
• Wrongful Death — 2 years

Contact Hare Wynn Today

If you or someone in your family has suffered from the use of an IVC filter, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages. But it is essential that you seek out an experienced mass tort lawyer in Birmingham, Alabama.

Hare, Wynn, Newell & Newton has experience in these matters. For more than 130 years, our firm has been helping individuals and families fight for their rights after someone else’s negligence caused harm and losses. We have recovered over two billion dollars on behalf of our clients.

Contact us today by calling 800-568-5330 or using our online form to schedule a free consultation!