Today’s modern medicine practices offer some amazing and life-saving techniques and inventions. One of these amazing creations is called an inferior vena cava filter, or IVC. So, what exactly is this filter and how can it help people and why are patients filing lawsuits with an IVC filter fracture lawyer against their manufacturers?
The IVC is a tiny apparatus used on one of the largest veins in the entire body. The inferior vena cava is a huge vein that carries blood from the lower parts of the body up to the right atrium of the heat and then on to the lungs. It is located to the right of the midline and close to the spinal cord area. This vein is critical to a person’s ability to live and function. Without the proper use of this vein, a person would not be able to thrive or live.
The IVC is a tiny filter that can be inserted into this massive vein to help catch blood clots and to potentially stop a pulmonary embolism which can cause serious health complications, and in severe cases, death. Pulmonary embolisms are caused by blockages of the blood flow from the heart to the lungs. The filter is cone shaped, and consists of threads that feed into a base. The idea of the invention is to trap the blood clot while allowing blood to flow around it. Eventually, anticoagulants found naturally in the body would break the trapped clot safely down without it escaping further into the system causing damage.
There are several variations of these filters, some being permanent and some only temporary. The number of legs varies as well. There are some that have 4 legs, 6 legs, and some that have many more. Some IVCs are designated as “retrievable.” Time limits also vary depending on which filter is used. The newer filters tend to last much longer and are better versions both medically and technically. The device is inserted in to the large inferior vena cava vein just below the kidneys. The IVC captures any clots that may have formed and broken loose in any of the lower extremities and catches them before they travel up to the heart and/or lungs.
The filter is inserted either in a vein in the groin area or using the jugular in the neck, both via catheter. The patient is sedated but awake for the procedure while medical professionals guide the filter to its proper place in the body to help catch blood clots. A tiny guide wire is used by the vascular surgeon to gently guide the device to the desired location. After the filter, has been placed, the catheter is then removed and the device can begin its duties.
IVCs are perfect examples of medical miracles that have been used to save lives. Their creation has improved the health and the lives of many people. The procedures are relatively uncomplicated and can be used to stop blood clots before they block any major arteries to the heart and lungs.
Some patients have suffered organ damage, internal bleeding and life-threatening side effects after their IVC filter moved from its position, or broke and the pieces of the filter traveled through the bloodstream. Talk to an experienced IVC filter law firm as soon as possible if you’ve been injured by one of these devices to see if you eligible to file an IVC filter lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries.
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