As reported, the patient underwent placement of an unspecified cordis vena cava filter.The indication for the filter placement was not reported.At some point after the filter implantation, the patient became aware that the filter had tilted and fractured and was associated with stenosis.The product was not returned for analysis and the sterile lot number has not been provided; therefore, no device analysis nor device history record review could be performed.Cordis vena cava filters are indicated for use in the prevention of recurrent pulmonary embolism (pe) via percutaneous placement in the inferior vena cava (ivc) for patients in which anticoagulants are contraindicated, anticoagulant therapy for thromboembolic disease has failed, emergency treatment following massive pe where anticipated benefits of conventional therapy are reduced or for chronic, recurrent pe where anticoagulant therapy has failed, or is contraindicated.The purpose of a vena cava filter is to catch thrombus from the lower extremities as it travels along normal blood flow patterns up towards the heart.Without images or procedural films for review, the reported filter tilt and fracture events could not be confirmed and the exact cause could not be determined.Ivc filter tilt has been associated with the anatomy of the vessel, specifically asymmetry and tortuousness.Additionally, the timing and mechanism of the filter tilt is unknown.The timing and mechanism of the fracture has not been reported at this time.The instructions for use (ifu) states that filter fracture is a potential complication of vena cava filters.Anatomic locations that create concentrated stress points from filter deformation (for example, deployment at apex of scoliosis, overlapping of either of the renal ostia, or placement adjacent to a vertebral osteophyte) may contribute to fracture of a particular filter strut.Stenosis within the device or within the ivc and/or vasculature does not represent a device malfunction.Clinical factors that may have influenced the event include the patient¿s pre-existing comorbidities, pharmacological and lesion characteristics.Given the limited information available for review, there is nothing to suggest that a malfunction in the design and manufacturing process of the device; therefore, no corrective action will be taken.Should additional information become available, the file will be updated accordingly.
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As reported by the legal brief, the patient underwent placement of an unspecified vena cava filter manufactured by cordis.The filter subsequently malfunctioned and caused injury and damage to the patient, including, but not limited to fracture of the filter, tilting and stenosis.As a direct and proximate result, the patient suffered life-threatening injuries and damages and required extensive medical care and treatment.As a further proximate result, the patient has suffered and will suffer significant medical expenses, pain and suffering and other damages.
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