Drug Eluting Stents Questions & Answers
Mobile, Alabama
What is a drug-eluting stent and what does it do?
A drug-eluting stent is a medical device that is placed into narrow and diseased coronary arteries and slowly releases a drug to block the proliferation of cells. The stents prevent blood clots that could clog the artery. Drug Eluting Stents are tiny, stainless steel mesh tubes and measure only 4 mm in width. Heart attacks are one of the most common causes of death among Americans, and these stents were designed to help people with heart problems, not hurt them.
Were the stents approved by the FDA?
Yes, they hit the market in April 2003, and within 11 months, over 350,000 people had stents placed in their chests to relieve them of the sometimes-crushing chest pain that can occur as a result of clogged arteries. Since then, the stents manufactured by three companies have been implanted in over 4 million people. The medical device generates about $5 billion a year in sales.
What companies have been accused of manufacturing the defective stents?
Johnson & Johnson, Boston Scientific, Cypher, Taxus, and Guidant.
What is the problem with the stents?
There is a very strong tendency for blood clots to form at the site where the stent is placed and does damage to the arterial wall. The stents are actually doing more harm than good, and millions of Americans could be walking around with these dangerous medical devices implanted in their chests.
What should I do if I received a stent?
You should call your doctor immediately so you can be examined. If you received a drug-eluting stent, your doctor will probably prescribe medications to prevent your risk of clotting in the stent. It is important that you follow the orders of your cardiologist.
What are some of the serious adverse effects of the drug-eluting stents?
Drug-coated stents have been linked to allergic reactions, increased risk of heart-related death, heart attacks, and thrombosis (blood clots).
If you or a loved one has a stent in place and has suffered any of the above symptoms, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering and medical costs. Please contact our attorneys at the experienced defective drug eluting stents office of Long & Waite, Attorneys at Law today.
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