Meridian IVC Filter by C.R. Bard

The Meridian Inferior Vena Cava Filter (IVC Filter) manufactured by C.R. Bard is one of the company’s newer IVC Filters, produced after a series of previous filters were shown to have high rates of fracture, perforation, migration, and other serious complications. The Meridian IVC Filter, like all IVC Filters, is intended for temporary use, and the risk of experiencing an adverse event greatly increases with time the device spends in the patient’s body.

In August 2010, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning statement to all physicians and patients advising that IVC Filters be removed after 34 days and before 59 days within the patient. Failing to remove the device within this timeframe puts patients at a greater risk of experiencing side effects including:

• Fracture
• Perforation
• Embolization
• Internal bleeding
• Migration
• Cardiac tamponade
• Organ damage
• Infection
• Lower limb DVT
• Chronic chest pain
• Pulmonary embolism
• Infection
• Death

What Are IVC Filters Used For?

IVC Filters are small cage-like devices inserted into the inferior vena cava to catch any blood clots from the lower extremities before they travel into the heart, while still allowing blood to flow freely through the vein. They are most commonly used in emergency centers when a patient has suffered a traumatic injury, but are also used after some major surgeries.

What caused the Bard IVC Filter Recall?

In 2012, a study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology
looked at the successful retrieval rates of Bard’s previous IVC Filters including the Recovery, G2, and G2 Express IVC Filters, and found that filter fracture occurred in 12% of patients and embolization occurred in 13% of patients. Doctors were only able to successfully remove fractured IVC Filter pieces in half of the patients.

While the study did not look at the effectiveness and safety of the Meridian IVC Filter, many patients now claim their Meridian IVC Filters failed in the same way and caused significant harm. If you experienced an adverse event from a Meridian IVC Filter, you may be able to obtain compensation for medical expenses, travel costs, and pain and suffering.

Bard Meridian IVC Filter Lawsuit Attorneys

The experienced defective medical device attorneys at Raizner Slania are helping victims of defective IVC Filters file claims against negligent manufacturers who failed to warn doctors and patients of the risks associated with their devices. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you owe us nothing unless we help you recover compensation. Call us today for a free consultation to review your case.