Occupation: other, senior counsel, litigation.Please note that the exact event date is unknown and the event date the complaint awareness date.As reported, the patient underwent placement of an optease retrievable 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 was associated with perforation of the inferior vena cava (ivc) and that a strut had become embedded.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.The optease retrievable vena cava filter is indicated for use in the prevention of recurrent pulmonary embolism (pe) via percutaneous placement in the 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 procedural films for review, the reported filter strut embedment and ivc perforation events could not be confirmed and the exact cause could not be determined.The predominant concern for embedding within the wall of the ivc is the development of endothelialization.Endothelialization is the healing of the inner surfaces of vessels or grafts by endothelial cells.This is the normal process whereby the body heals and recovers from invasive procedures.The optease retrievable vena cava filter is indicated for retrieval up to 23 days post-implantation.Following this period of time, and as early as twelve days, there is potential for endothelialization around the filter struts.Usage of the product other than that indicated in the product's instructions for use (ifu) may involve additional risks not described in the labeling.A review of the instructions for use (ifu) notes vessel damage such as intimal tears and perforation as procedural complications related to ivc filters.Perforation from removable filters is relatively common, and directly related to how long the filter has been in place.Studies have noted a greater than 80% perforation rate overall, with all filters imaged after 71 days from implantation revealing some level of perforation.Clinical factors that may have influenced the event include the patient¿s pre-existing co-morbidities, pharmacological issues 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.Please note that this is the initial report for this product.
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As reported by the legal brief, the patient underwent placement of an optease vena cava filter.The report states that the filter subsequently malfunctioned and caused injury and damage to the patient including, but not limited to perforation of the inferior vena cava (ivc) wall with tine embedment and the resultant symptoms.As a direct and proximate result of these malfunctions, 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 continue to suffer significant medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.
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