What Risks Can be Associated With Drug-Coated Stents?

Stents are especially important when being used to fix atherosclerosis in a patient’s arteries due to plaque and narrowing. Stents are placed quite easily, through a balloon angioplasty procedure in order to prevent closing of the artery. In recent years, something known as drug-coated stents have become relatively popular, which are stents that slowly release drugs to prevent arterial scarring. Since these stents are relatively new, being entered onto the medicinal line in 2003 and 2004, the FDA has promised to closely regulate them. This is quite likely due to the fact that there is a significant risk of stent thrombosis, or blood clotting that takes place inside the stent.

Understanding the Risks 

There are many risks associated with stents that patients must be aware of, including infection, blood clot, bleeding, rupture of the duct or vessel, stent migration, allergic reactions, and in-stent restenosis. Rare complications can include chest pains and heart attacks. Patients must be aware that, if they have had recent heart surgery or are pregnant, they are not advised to use these stents. They should also not be used in patients who cannot tolerate angioplasty or are allergic to stent materials because of resulting complications.

Medical device manufacturers owe a duty of care to patients who utilize their products. If they do not make their products are reasonably safe as possible or fail to inform the medical community of known risks associated with the product, lawsuits could result. Just as with many drugs and medical equipment, lawsuits have stemmed from complications associated with stents. If you have received a drug-coated stent and have experienced unusual health concerns or medical conditions, you may want to alert your doctor and meet with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and receive the compensation you deserve. Call us today for help with your case.