IVC filters are tiny metal “cage-like” devices which are intended to prevent blood clots from traveling from the legs to the lungs or heart. The filter is implanted in the inferior vena cava—the largest vein which returns blood from the lower body to the heart. Prior to making the decision to implant an IVC filter, the doctor will first determine whether the patient could potentially be given a blood-thinning drug which will dissolve blood clots...

Retrievable IVC filters are meant to be removed from the patient’s body once the threat of blood clot has passed, yet many of these filters are left in place indefinitely. The FDA, in two warning letters regarding the IVC filters, stated that most all retrievable IVC filters should be removed from the patient between 29 and 54 days after implantation. Unfortunately, most studies show that less than a third of all retrievable IVC filters are actually...

March 28, 2017 - Thousands of consumers were affected by the Stryker recall in July 2012. The recall covered both the Rejuvenate and the ABGII.  At the time of the Stryker hip recall, Stryker admitted the devices had a higher than normal failure rate, and were prone to fretting and corrosion. If you are an individual affected by the Stryker recall, you could have received a Broadspire letter...

March 27, 2017 - In the wake of the recent DePuy Pinnacle 6-person settlement for over $1 billion, those who have a DePuy Pinnacle hip probably have many important questions. Pinnacle recipients may wonder whether there will be a recall of the DePuy Pinnacle hip implant—like the DePuy ASR hip recall of 2010 and the subsequent settlement of thousands of ASR lawsuits...

March 20, 2017 - What is Metallosis? If you have been implanted with a metal hip implant, you have probably heard the term “metallosis,” even if you do not have a recalled metal hip. Metallosis is a condition which occurs when the metal components of a hip device rub against one another during periods of activity, shearing away microscopic metal shards. When those tiny metal ions begin building up in the soft tissues of the...