Drug eluting stent safety being reviewed
Doctors and scientists are meeting this week in Washington, D.C. to review and debate the dangers of drug-eluting stents. These cardiac stents are used to open clogged arteries. However, cardiologists have begun to question the safety of these newer medicated stents, since recent studies have demonstrated that they increase the risk of potentially fatal blood clots when compared with older bare-metal stents. The issues discussed in Washington will likely be a preview of public safety hearings the FDA will be holding in early December to decide what steps should be taken to protect the public.
>>RELATED POST (9/16/06): Drug coated stents may increase risk of stent thrombosis
Since drug coated stents were introduced in 2003, they have taken over the cardiac stent market, and currently account for nearly 85% of all heart stents used in the United States. Although they cost nearly three times as much as prior bare-metal stents, studies have shown that they increase the risk of thrombosis, or blood clots, for years after the stents are implanted.
Our product liability lawyers have been following these developments closely since the announcement that we are investigating Plavix side effects lawsuits. After drug-eluting stents are implanted, patients are often started on a course of Plavix. In response to our announcement we have spoken with several individuals who received a medicated stent, took Plavix then had a heart attack or stroke.
We are currently reviewing the studies and intend to post further information about the heart stent dangers over the next few days. At this time, if someone has received a drug-coated stent and suffered a heart attack, stroke or serious blood clot over six months later, they should request a free consultation to determine if there may be potential claims for these injuries which may have been prevented with the use of cheaper older bare-metal stents.
