Filshie Clip Tubal Sterilization Clamps Litigation
There are many options for women who want to prevent pregnancy. One such choice is the Filshie clip tubal clamp device – a contraceptive device that is represented to be a safe and effective contraceptive device.
Filshie clips are attached by a doctor to the fallopian tubes and are supposed to remain in place. However, it is well documented that these clamp devices can and do migrate, or move, from where the doctor positioned them. If and when the contraceptive clips migrate, it can be a painful and dangerous situation as they can damage nearby tissue and organs, sometimes even causing perforations. Given the risks involved with these adverse events, surgery to remove the migrated clips is often required.
Many women who have suffered injuries caused by migrating Filshie clip sterilization clamps have sued the device’s manufacturer. Our law firm is helping to lead the fight to compensate women who have suffered pain, suffering and additional surgeries as a result of Filshie Clip migration, and we are currently investigating these cases.
Tell Us Your Story During A Free Consultation If you believe you suffered injuries or illness because of a dangerous product, contact us to share your story and learn about your legal options during a free initial consultation. To get started, call our office in Fairfield, Connecticut, at 475-259-3806 or submit an online contact form
What is a Filshie Clip and How Does it Work?
Simply put, the Filshie clip is a small, implantable female birth control device. It is affixed to the fallopian tubes during laparoscopic surgery and blocks/prevents eggs from reaching the uterus. The Filshie Clip product is designed to be reversible.
The Filshie Clip System was first approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 1996, and it has undergone several updates since then. Several companies have been involved in the design, manufacturer and distribution of the Filshie Clip devices, including Femcare, Cooper Surgical and Utah Medical Products.
What Kinds of Injuries Are Claimed in a Filshie Clips Lawsuit?
Our law firm is pursuing cases where Filshie Clip devices fail to remain in place and migrate, or move, and then they damage surrounding tissue and/or organs. In the most serious cases, migrating Filshie Clip devices can cause perforation, bleeding and other complications, including becoming embedded.
Usually, a migrating Filshie Clip device can be removed by laparoscopic surgery, although complete removal is not feasible in all cases. If a migrated Filshie Clip is left in place – usually because it is imbedded and it is too dangerous to remove; if this happens, there may be ongoing risks and/or required ongoing monitoring.
Since 2017 there have been hundreds and hundreds of reported Filshie Clip devices that have migrated. In fact, there have been nearly 600 reports filed with the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database through mid-2024, including the following:
- 478 injury reports
- 77 malfunction reports
- 1 report of death
- 27 reports categorized as “other” or left blank
These reports include:
- 167 cases of migration
- 64 cases of perforation
- 71 instances where patients required a hysterectomy
Based on our investigation and our own clients’ experiences, we have reason to believe that there are many more unreported device failures.
What Happens When a Filshie Clip Migrates?
The medical literature reports – and our clients verified – the following adverse events when Filshie clip migrate and/or require surgical removal:
- Severe pain
- Heavy bleeding
- Weight gain
- Hair loss
- Headaches
- Hormonal imbalances
- Hot flashes
- Mood swings
- Memory loss
- Cramping
- Painful intercourse
- Fatigue
- Bladder and rectal issues
- Infections
- Psychological conditions like PTSD, anxiety, anger, and suicidal ideation.
Some of these symptoms are linked to “Pelvic Congestion Syndrome” or “Post-Tubal Ligation Syndrome.” These syndromes may arise from complications from the implantation procedure and require further medical attention.
Tell Us Your Story During A Free Consultation If you believe you suffered injuries or illness because of a dangerous product, contact us to share your story and learn about your legal options during a free initial consultation. To get started, call our office in Fairfield, Connecticut, at 475-259-3806 or submit an online contact form.