![Study: IVC Filters Don't Save Trauma Lives](/images/articles2/blood-ivc-filter-article.jpg)
To conduct the study, researchers from Boston University examined trauma patients who had an IVC filter inserted in them at Boston Medical Center from August 1, 2003 to December 31, 2012. Researchers found that there was no significant overall difference in mortality or cause of mortality when patients who did not have an IVC filter implanted were compared with those who had an IVC filter implanted, if those patients survived the initial 72 hours following the injury. Patients who had an IVC filter implanted, however, had a higher survival rate in the first 24 hours of implantation.
"The use of IVC filters in this population should be reexamined because filter removal rates are low and there is increased risk of morbidity in patients with filters that remain in place," researchers wrote.
READ MORE IVC FILTER LEGAL NEWS
Among the risks associated with IVC filters are a reported risk of the filters breaking and or migrating from their implantation site and perforating vital organs or other tissues.
The Bard multidistrict litigation—which currently has 886 pending actions—is MDL 2641, while the Cook multidistrict litigation—which currently holds 933 pending actions—is MDL 2570. Bellwether trials are expected to reach the courts in 2017. Lawsuits filed against the companies allege they failed to adequately warn patients about the risks associated with the filters.