IVC filters (inferior vena cava filters) are medical devices implanted in the vena cava vein to keep blood clots from traveling to arteries in the lungs (pulmonary arteries). Filters are made of nickel-titanium alloy and are Class II 510(k) devices.
The Bard Recovery was approved on July 25, 2003, and the G2 on Aug. 29, 2005. The Recovery was “silently recalled” by Bard in 2005 just before it received approval for the G2. Both Bard and Cook Medical also have several other IVC models on the market.
Injuries involve a fracture of the filter device and migration of the metal pieces to the heart, lungs, and other organs. A fracture can be identified with imaging like a CT scan. Once the filter has failed, surgery to remove the device and the broken pieces may be required. It may also be too dangerous to remove the fractured components due to the risk of further injury and/or death.