Drug-coated stents (also called drug-eluting stents) have deadly consequences for many people. If you were given a drug-coated stent and suffered serious health complications, or a loved one died because of this unsafe medical device, you may be owed significant financial compensation for your damages. Do not hesitate to reach out to an experienced Jonesboro, Arkansas defective medical device attorney for help.
Drug-Coated Stents Help to Reduce Scarring and Restenosis
When plaque builds up on arteries or blood vessels, the risk of heart attack greatly increases. There are various medical methods for treating atherosclerosis, the medical term used to describe the condition, including placing stents into the artery or blood vessel. Some of these stents, which are either made out of plastic or metal and keep the artery or blood vessel from narrowing again, may be coated in drugs. These drug-coated stents are designed to release medication slowly, helping to keep the artery or blood vessel open while also limiting scarring, which helps keep blood flowing through the smooth walls of the artery, according to Mayo Clinic. Restenosis, which is the re-closing of the artery, is a common problem for people who suffer from high cholesterol and plaque build up. However, drug-coated stents may cause more health complications than their non-drug-coated counterparts.
Stent Thrombosis
Stent thrombosis is a dangerous side effect of drug-coated stents. Thrombosis is the sudden blockage of an artery due to a blood clot, and stent thrombosis kills 20 to 48 percent of those who suffer major heart attacks, according to a recent study titled Thrombosis After Stent Implantation: How Much of a Problem Is There? Stent thrombosis is not the only problem caused by drug-coated stents, however.
Other Health Concerns and Complications of Those With Drug-Coated Stents
- Infection;
- Allergic reaction to the stent or the drugs of the stent;
- Bleeding;
- Restenosis of the stent, in which the inner part of the stent becomes caked with plaque;
- Stent moves out of position;
- Upon insertion, rupture of the blood vessel or artery; and
- Other problems, as well.
Some of these side effects result in heart attack and death. However, you may be able to be financially compensated for your medical bills, future medical costs, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more, if it is found that the drug-coated stent used in your artery or blood vessel caused adverse health complications. First generation drug-coated stents are even more dangerous than second generation due to improved coating methods of the later versions, according to research published in the International Scholarly Research Notices. However, there are still great risks associated with second generation devices as well.
Contact a Jonesboro Defective Medical Device or Medical Malpractice Attorney Today
If you suffered a heart attack or other adverse conditions after being given a drug-coated stent, you may be eligible to receive financial compensation. To find out more, reach out to the Jonesboro, Arkansas defective medical device attorneys of Wells & Wells at 870.782.4084 today.
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn/2013/748736/