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IVC – Cook

Cook IVC Filter Lawsuits

Three Cook inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are the subject of consolidated federal litigation (MDL) in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana:

  • Gunther Tulip
  • Cook Celect
  • Cook Platinum

Each of these devices was marketed as “optionally retrievable,” implying they were safe for both short-term and long-term implantation. Evidence now shows that these filters can become dangerous at any length of implantation, leading to serious complications and injuries.

 

About the Cook IVC Filters

Gunther Tulip IVC Filter

  • Introduced in 2000 and later marketed as “retrievable” in 2003, the Gunther Tulip is the oldest of Cook’s retrievable filters. Despite the change in marketing, the device itself was never redesigned.
  • The filter’s distinctive “petal” design often causes rapid embedding into the vena cava wall.
  • Once embedded, the filter can become permanently stuck within days.
  • Embedded filters are highly susceptible to fracture, with broken struts migrating to other parts of the body.
  • Studies have shown a 100% complication rate after 71 days of implantation.

Despite these risks, Cook continued selling the Gunther Tulip even after newer filters were introduced.

Cook Celect IVC Filter
The Cook Celect was released in 2007 as a supposed solution to the Gunther Tulip’s embedding issues. However, serious design flaws remained.

  • Clinical studies showed a 100% perforation rate, similar to the Tulip.
  • Long, unprotected legs increase the risk of organ and vessel perforation.
  • The device is prone to fracture, with fragments migrating to the heart, lungs, and other vital organs.
  • These failures have resulted in severe injuries and deaths.

Cook Platinum IVC Filter

The Cook Platinum was introduced to replace the Celect, but it has also been linked to serious complications, including:

  • Migration
  • Fracture
  • Perforation
  • Embedding in the vena cava

Although this filter is newer and long-term outcomes are still emerging, numerous lawsuits have already been filed alleging serious harm.

Talk to a Cook IVC Filter Lawyer

If you or a loved one has suffered complications from a Cook IVC filter, you may have legal options.

Ben Martin Law Group is a national leader in Cook IVC filter litigation:

  • Ben C. Martin serves as Co-Lead Counsel in the Cook IVC Filter MDL
  • Tom Arbon serves on the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee
  • Our firm has filed Cook IVC filter cases in state courts nationwide

We are ready to evaluate your case and help you understand your legal rights.
Contact us today for a confidential case review.

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