Product Liability and Defective Heart Stents
Heart disease continues to be a leading cause of death in the United States. Fortunately, advanced medical techniques allow doctors to address many coronary issues, including blocked arteries and heart attacks.
Heart stents are widely used to increase blood flow and reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems. For many patients, heart stents are lifesaving. Unfortunately, there are many product liability issues related to defective heart stents. Individuals in Sugar Land, TX, Katy, TX, Richmond, TX, and surrounding areas who have suffered complications from a defective heart stent can work with the defective medical device lawyers at Reed & Terry, L.L.P. to pursue financial compensation for damages related to their defective stent.
What Are Heart Stents and How Do They Work?
Heart stents are tiny tubes that are typically composed of wire mesh, though some stents may be made of fabric or silicone as well. These tubes are surgically implanted into blocked arteries.
Heart stents hold the artery open so that blood can flow freely, thus preventing the wide range of cardiovascular problems that are related to blocked arteries. Heart stents are commonly placed in patients who have suffered a heart attack, or those who are at-risk.
In many more recent procedures, drug-eluting heart stents have been used. These stents have a layer of polymer coating over the wire mesh. Over time, the polymer releases a drug that is meant to further reduce the risk of blood clots.
Complications Related to Defective Heart Stents
While heart stents are meant to reduce cardiovascular problems and save lives, they can do more harm than good if they are defective. No matter what type of heart stent a patient receives, there is a risk that it will be defective. In fact, there have been many heart stents recalled over the years. Defective heart stents can lead to a number of health problems and complications, including:
- Infection
- Internal bleeding
- Allergic reaction to stent materials
- Narrowing of the artery
- Blood clots
- Damage to the artery and surrounding tissues
Who Is Liable for Heart Stent Complications?
Defective heart stents can result in a number of damages for the patient. Not only will they need additional medical treatment to address the complications caused by a defective stent, but they will likely require substantial time off of work to recover. Medical expenses and lost wages can result in costly financial losses.
Additionally, there are physical and emotional damages to consider. Defective heart stents put patients through unnecessary pain and suffering, and can cause a lot of stress and worry. It is important that appropriate parties are held liable for all the damages related to a defective heart stent.
Product liability laws hold manufacturers accountable for the safety and effectiveness of their products. This means that they can be sued when a product fails to work as intended or when it causes safety concerns. The defective medical device lawyers at Reed & Terry, L.L.P. have extensive knowledge in this area of the law and are prepared to hold medical device manufacturers accountable for damages caused by their products.
Schedule a Case Review
If you are suffering complications that you believe to be related to a defective heart stent, the lawyers at Reed & Terry, L.L.P. can determine if you have grounds for a product liability suit. To discuss your situation with our legal team, call (281) 201-0988 and schedule a free case review at your earliest convenience.