The Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning about Inferior Vena Cava Filters, citing risks associated with their long-term use.

Our New York City medical malpractice attorneys have reported problems associated with pharmaceuticals or medical devices, including Avandia and infusion pumps. Defective medical devices, dangerous pharmaceuticals or the inadequate care of a physician can require the assistance of an experienced attorney to protect a patient's rights.

In this case, the government is concerned that medical filters used to stop clots from reaching the lungs or heart could be causing their own problems.

In the last 5 years, the federal government has received 921 reports of problems with the filters, including device movement or migration (328), detachment of components (146) and filter fractures (56). The government reports some of the risk may be from leaving the filters in place for a long period of time, beyond the point when the risk of pulmonary embolism has subsided.

The FDA is concerned about the devices not being removed in a timely manner and is urging doctors and clinicians to remove the filters as soon as protection from pulmonary embolism is no longer needed.

ABC-4 in Utah reports that filters can become attached to the vein, making them difficult or impossible to remove. At least one Utah patient has filed a medical malpractice lawsuit over the issue.

The FDA's report could trigger a larger product recall and could result in other medical malpractice or product liability claims.