A transvaginal mesh is a plastic mesh device that is used to reinforce a repair in the body. Depending on the problem, the mesh can be inserted through the abdomen or through the vagina, with the latter called transvaginally.

Transvaginal Mesh and POP

Transvaginal mesh is often used to bolster weakened muscle tissue, particularly among women with pelvic organ prolapse, or POP. This condition actually occurs fairly frequently, in 30-50% of women, but only a small percent actually exhibit symptoms. POP occurs when one or more of the pelvic organs, such as the uterus, urethra or bladder, shift downward toward and even into the vagina. This shift often occurs as the muscles in the pelvic area loosen, often due to stress from repeated pregnancies or vaginal deliveries. Organs can also shift after a hysterectomy, as the organs have more area to move. Changing hormones in aging women can also affect POP.

When POP occurs and the organs drop downward, patients can have a variety of problems including a feeling of pressure, back pain, incontinence, constipation or pain during intercourse.

Mild cases of POP may be treated with Kegels, an exercise that strengthens the pelvic muscles, or with lifestyle changes to reduce weight or decrease the intake of caffeinated beverages, which act as diuretics.

In more severe cases, doctors may perform surgery to repair weak muscles, inserting transvaginal mesh to make that weak area stronger.

Transvaginal Mesh Failure Complications

The FDA found widespread problems suffered by patients who had a surgery mesh procedure for POP, with over 1000 cases of injuries or death. During the surgery, some patients experienced problems when the mesh device punctured the bladder, bowel or a nearby blood vessel. Other patients had complications once the mesh had been implanted, but later eroded. This erosion caused pain, new in incidences of incontinence, intercourse pain and organ prolapse.

Because the mesh is intended to a permanent implantation, it becomes intertwined with the muscle tissues and is very difficult to remove even when problems arise. As a result of the numerous concerns regarding the transvaginal mesh procedure, the FDA has said that this process is a high risk, and that other methods should be found to complete the repairs without using mesh.

Nationwide Surgical Mesh Lawsuit Help
If you have had transvaginal mesh surgery, we encourage you to contact us with your story. We are investigating claims by patients who believe the manufacturers of the mesh devices should be held responsible for the injuries and damage that have resulted. For a free, confidential and no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal options, contact us today. There is a limited time to file a transvaginal mesh lawsuit based on statute of limitations. Please contact us at your earliest convenience.

Pelvic organ prolapse, or POP, occurs when the muscles in the pelvic area weaken and organs in that area may shift downward. The uterus, vagina, urethra and bladder are all organs that may drop toward and even into the vagina. This can cause pain, pressure, incontinence, constipation and discomfort during intercourse.

Stress urinary incontinence or SUI, occurs when the muscles in the urethra are not strong enough to hold in urine when the bladder contracts, such as when a person laughs, sneezes or coughs. This may also happen as the pelvic organs shift, placing more pressure on each other.

Both POP and SUI may occur as women age. In fact, 30-50% have some type of pelvic organ prolapse, but only a few have severe symptoms. Pelvic muscles can weaken due to the weight from multiple pregnancies, the stress of multiple vaginal deliveries or a decrease in female hormones. A hysterectomy can also contribute to POP, since organs may shift into the area where the uterus once was.

Transvaginal Mesh Failure

Doctors may treat POP and SUI several ways, including the recommendation of exercise and lifestyle changes. However, in some cases, the tissue in the pelvic area needs to be repaired. In addition to repairing the tissue, doctors have sometimes inserted a plastic mesh device through the vagina in order to reinforce the repair.

For many patients, however, the insertion of this transvaginal mesh has proven to be dangerous. From 2005-2010, the FDA found nearly 4000 reports of injuries and deaths due to surgical mesh products used for POP and SUI repairs. In some cases, the mesh perforated the bladder, bowel or blood vessels. In other cases, the mesh eroded over time or shortened, which caused additional pain and in some cases, even new cases of pelvic organ prolapse or incontinence.

Because the mesh is intended to be a permanent fixture, it quickly intertwines with the tissue once it is implanted. As a result, it is difficult to remove. Furthermore, doctors and patients have found that even after transvaginal mesh removal the mesh does not guarantee a decrease in side effects.

Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuit
The FDA is currently suggesting that the mesh be reclassified as a high risk and face more regulatory controls. But for those patients who are currently coping with transvaginal mesh complications, this news comes too late. We represent patients who believe the manufacturers of the surgical mesh products should be held responsible for the long-term damage and pain these devices have caused. If you have had complications from transvaginal mesh products, we encourage you to review your experience with us, and we can discuss your legal options. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation and confidential consultation. There is a limited time to file a transvaginal mesh lawsuit. Please contact us at your earliest convenience.

About Stress Incontinence

Involuntary urination caused by stress is one of the most common types of incontinence problems. The bladder stores urine in the body until urination. At that time, the muscles in the bladder contract and the urine passes through the urethra. The muscles surrounding the urethra, the sphincter muscles, relax to allow the urine to pass from the body.

With incontinence, the bladder may contract suddenly, or the sphincter muscles may not be strong enough to hold in the urine. Stress incontinence occurs when a certain action, such as a cough, laugh, sneeze or other movement puts pressure on the bladder and the muscles are not able to prevent urine from leaking out.

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) may occur as a result of weakened pelvic muscles—a fairly common occurrence in women as they age. The muscles may become weaker after multiple pregnancies or vaginal deliveries, after hormonal changes upon menopause or because of obesity. As these muscles become weaker, the bladder can shift downward toward the vagina. This movement also makes it difficult for the muscles to contract as they should, which can result in incontinence.

SUI Treatment

Depending on the specific cause and severity, doctors may recommend at home treatment, such as Kegel exercises. Doctors may recommend a vaginal device called a pessary, which is inserted to help hold the urethra in place, so the urethra has less potential for leakage.

Some doctors have performed surgery to repair weakened tissue of the pelvic floor. One particular surgery that uses transvaginal mesh has come under criticism for the dangers that it has caused patients.

In order to strengthen the pelvic muscle area and keep the bladder and other organs from dropping down toward the vagina, doctors have inserted a plastic mesh product to help bolster the weakened tissue. Unfortunately, the mesh has caused significant problems, including puncturing nearby organs and eroding, which has led to further stress incontinence, repeated prolapse of the organs, constipation and pain.

If your doctor recommends the use of transvaginal mesh for stress urinary incontinence, be sure to ask about the significant and numerous transvaginal mesh complications that patients have experienced, and find out any other treatment options available to you.

If you have had transvaginal mesh removal complications following surgery, you may be asking questions also, about your legal options. Who is responsible for manufacturing this dangerous product, and how should they be held accountable? We represent patients in bladder sling lawsuits who have been hurt by this transvaginal mesh procedure and who are seeking compensation for their pain and suffering. To find out more, we invite you to contact us for a free and confidential consultation.

What is POP?

POP stands for Pelvic Organ Prolapse, which occurs when the muscles that hold the pelvic organs in place become loose or stretched and one or more of the organs drops or prolapses toward the vagina. Organs affected by POP can include the bladder, urethra, vagina, uterus, small bowel or rectum.

Who is at risk?

Older women are at a higher risk than younger women. Pregnancy, which places a strain on the pelvic muscles, can put a younger woman at risk. Surgeries, such as hysterectomies, can also make the pelvic area weaker, which means the organs are more likely to become displaced. Additionally, being overweight, having a prolonged cough or frequent constipation can add to strain of the pelvic muscle area, and increase the risk of POP.

Treatment for POP

Depending on the severity of the condition, doctors have several treatment options. Kegels, for example, are exercises that help strengthen the pelvic muscles. A pessary is a removable medical device that can be inserted into the vagina to support the pelvic area. However, if the POP is severe, the pelvic muscles may not be able to hold the pessary in place.

Doctors may recommend surgery to repair the pelvic area. This surgery will repair the tissues around the organs or vagina, and may include the removal of the uterus.

Recently, the medical community has debated the best method of surgery. Doctors can repair the pelvic area by going through the abdomen or through the vagina. With either method, surgeons can repair the weakened area with stitches. Doctors performing abdominal or transvaginal surgery also may insert plastic mesh reinforcement, intended to create additional support to the area.

Transvaginal Mesh Failure Complications

Since transvaginal mesh surgery was approved for POP in 2002, women have reported serious problems when the mesh eroded. An FDA review found that from 2005- 2010, 1503 reports of injuries or deaths were filed related to POP repairs involving mesh. Some of the complications occurred during insertion of the mesh, when the device perforated the bowel, bladder or a blood vessel. Others occurred as the mesh eroded, causing vaginal scarring, and leading to painful intercourse.

Once inserted, the mesh cannot be easily or completely removed, and even if it is, the transvaginal mesh failure complications may still continue.

In a recent statement, the FDA emphasized that complications from transvaginal mesh are not rare, and are a serious and ongoing issue.

If you have had transvaginal mesh surgery and are concerned about what this means for you, contact us for a free, no-obligation and confidential consultation. We are currently investigating claims from patients who believe the manufacturers of the mesh products should be held accountable for the debilitating complications their products have caused. To find out more about your legal options, we invite you to contact us today. There is a limited time to file a transvaginal mesh lawsuit. Please contact us as soon as possible.

In August 2010, a DePuy hip replacement recall was announced. The company offered to reimburse patients for the cost of revision surgery. However, a letter sent to orthopedic surgeons on August 24, 2010 revealed a noteworthy requirement: the ASR must be returned to the company in order for the patient to be eligible for reimbursement. We’ll address this stipulation below, and explain why keeping your defective hip prosthesis may be a better decision.

Revision Surgery In Exchange For The ASR

In the letter sent to health care professionals, the company explains their reason for requiring patients to return their faulty ASR explants. The company hopes to “better understand the causes of the problems with the ASR Hip System.” This seems like a reasonable request since examining the failed devices is likely to produce insight.

However, it is important to note that the hip implant arguably belongs to the patient, who should not be required to give up his or her ownership of it. This is especially true given that doing so may weaken any arguments posed to describe inherent defects in the ASR.

For those who have received the acetabular and hip resurfacing systems, there is a strong temptation to accept DePuy’s offer. Cases continue to surface in which people report experiencing severe pain and inflammation in the hip joint, infection, bone deterioration, and metal flaking into the bloodstream. Patients are understandably concerned about these problems, and want to prevent them from worsening. Many have agreed to the conditions of the DePuy recall without considering the long-term consequences.

There are compelling reasons to postpone signing forms giving DePuy Orthopaedics ownership of your defective hip implant.

Keeping Your DePuy ASR May Prove Valuable

Whenever an artificial joint fails – whether in the hip, knee, or shoulder – a close examination of the implant often reveals the root causes of the failure. A trained eye can detect wear patterns in the joint much like a trained auto mechanic can trace treadwear patterns to a vehicle’s suspension. This helps to build a case that highlights the defects in the design of the DePuy ASR implants.

If the failed prosthesis is surrendered to the hip joint manufacturer, building such a case is more difficult. Moreover, it is reasonable to expect that DePuy might be inclined to prove their implant’s failure was not due to a design flaw, but rather the recipient’s activities. Once the device is handed over to the joint manufacturer, there is little chance of regaining control of it.

Hip Pain, Bone Fractures, And Joint Dislocation

According to orthopedic surgeons, the design flaw of the hip implants involves the acetabular cup. Doctors have reported that the cup is too shallow, and thus difficult to place securely into the hip socket. Additionally, the fit between the cup and artificial femoral head is flawed. There is an insufficient amount of lubrication between the two components, which allows excess friction to occur. Friction causes metal debris to flake off into the bloodstream and surrounding tissue.

Because the hip implant is not secure in the socket, it may begin to loosen. This weakens the bone of the joint, causing small fractures. With time, the joint can be expected to dislocate.

With a 12%-13% failure rate, the faulty DePuy hip replacement systems have caused pain and suffering for a large number of recipients. Those who have not yet experienced problems may in the future. If you are suffering from hip pain, bone fractures, loosening of the ASR, or other serious DePuy hip replacement recall side effects, learn more about your legal options. Contact a DePuy hip settlements attorney to discuss your case.

We’ll explain some of the factors involved with the formation of inappropriate Nuvaring blood clots below. We’ll also describe one of the biggest dangers that doctors fear: clot migration.

Thrombophilia Due To The Birth Control Ring

The body’s clotting mechanism causes thrombi (i.e. clots) to form immediately after an injury to a blood vessel has been identified. As noted, platelets arrive at the site and begin to clump to one another. At the same time, the body initiates a “coagulation cascade,” which results in the formation of fibrin strands. The body then monitors whether the thrombi are still needed. When they are no longer necessary, a process called fibrinolysis is initiated to degrade the fibrin strands, and dissolve the thrombus.

Blood clots form due to hormones that are released into a woman’s bloodstream. These hormones – estrogen and a progestin called desogestrel – prevent the body from regulating its system of coagulation. They cause a problem similar to hypercoagulability (sometimes called thrombophilia). This is a condition in which an abnormality – in this case, the hormones released by the birth control ring – causes the person’s blood to be more susceptible to clotting.

Thrombi can form anywhere blood travels in the body. This includes the veins, arteries, and heart. When they develop naturally, they rarely leave the site of their formation. One of the problems with Nuvaring blood clots is that they can embolize (or, migrate). They can break away from the blood vessel’s wall, and travel freely throughout the body.

Migration Of Blood Clots

Clots may embolize for a few reasons depending on their location. For example, consider those that form in the deep veins of the legs, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). These blood vessels are buried among muscles. Whenever you move your legs, the muscles contract, and squeeze the veins. This is part of your body’s system of venous return; it ensures that blood flows to your heart and lungs. If thrombi are present in these vessels, they may loosen when the leg muscles contract. Over time, they might break away completely, and migrate through the body.

A second reason clots can embolize involves the function of the heart. Thrombi can form in the chambers of the left side, either due to hypercoagulability or an arrhythmia. Once they form, the chambers’ contractions and the flow of blood through them, can cause the thrombi to dislodge.

Doctors try to address thrombi before they become emboli to prevent their migration. If emboli migrate into key arteries, they can cause an obstruction and trigger a medical emergency.

Treatment For Nuvaring Blood Clots

Doctors have several measures they can use to resolve blood clots. Their approach depends on where the clots are located and the danger they pose. For example, thrombi in the deep veins of the legs are usually treated with anticoagulant therapy. Those in the pulmonary arteries may also be treated with anticoagulant drugs, but might warrant thrombolytic therapy if the patient’s health is in immediate danger. When blood clots reach the arteries of the brain, thrombolytic drugs are often given first since brain damage occurs quickly.

The problems associated with blood clots can range from insignificant to life-threatening. Thrombi in the superficial veins (the vessels near the skin) do not pose a problem. Those in the lungs, heart, and brain require immediate medical attention. If you have suffered from abnormal clotting, DVT, pulmonary embolism, or other serious Nuvaring side effects, you may be able to file a claim against the contraceptive ring’s manufacturer. Contact a Nuvaring lawsuit settlements lawyer to discuss your case. We are currently continuing to file cases on behalf of women throughout the United States and there have not been any settlements as litigation is ongoing.

To date, a definitive link between metal flaking and complications such as cancer has not been established. This may be due, in part, to the fact that metal poisoning (i.e. metallosis) from hip implants is a relatively new area of medical concern. Data is sparse. However, there is a growing store of evidence that suggests metallosis is the cause for several DePuy side effects.

Abrasion From Metal-On-Metal Hip Implants

Even though the metal acetabular component (i.e. cup) and metal ball of the DePuy ASRs wear out more slowly than plastic, they create friction against one another. As the patient moves her hip, the ball rotates within the cup. This causes abrasion, from which metal particles are released. Cobalt and chromium ions enter the bloodstream, and flake off onto the tissue near the site of the implant.

The foreign material in the bloodstream and tissue triggers a response from the body’s immune system. The body addresses the metal debris by inflaming the tissue, particularly where metal contamination is greatest: near the implant. The inflammation causes pain, and often leads to secondary problems.

To understand the context of the DePuy ASR recall that was issued in 2010, it is worth highlighting that all metal-on-metal hip implants generate friction. As such, they release metal debris into the bloodstream. With most hip replacements, however, the volume of metal ions released is small. Problems rarely surface. The ASR XL Acetabular and ASR Hip Resurfacing systems generate more friction than normal due to a design flaw with the acetabular component. This increased friction produces a higher volume of cobalt and chromium particles, which causes complications with the artificial joint.

Effects Of Metal Flaking From The DePuy ASR

Persistent pain at the site of implantation is one of many side effects stemming from metallosis. Because cobalt and chromium ions enter the bloodstream, they are circulated to other areas of the body. Consequently, the patient may experience pain elsewhere in the muscles and tissues.

There is also evidence that metal toxicity – particularly, cobalt poisoning – is linked to cardiomyopathy. This is a condition that prevents the heart from pumping blood properly. Thyroid issues and nerve-related problems may also occur.

Loosening Of The DePuy Hip Implant

As already noted, metallosis causes an autoimmune response as the body attempts to address the foreign debris. Lesions and small masses of cells (called pseudotumors) develop in the tissue near the implant.

Also, because the tissue is inflamed, its support of the ASR becomes compromised. This leads to loosening of the cup. At the same time, the bony ingrowth into the surface of the cup also becomes compromised. As the patient moves her leg and hip, the cup begins to move within the acetabulum. This can eventually lead to complete dislocation as the cup separates from the socket. The patient will experience severe pain and limited mobility.

Many people have received DePuy hip implants that have yet to produce the side effects described above. However, given the high failure rate (up to 13 percent) posed by the systems named in the DePuy hip recall, complications can occur at any time. If you have already experienced hip pain, metal poisoning, loosening of the joint, or other serious side effects, you may be due compensation for your injuries. Contact a DePuy lawsuit settlement lawyer to learn more about your options.

Below, we’ll explain how an ischemic event occurs in the brain. Blood clots (called thrombi) are the root cause. We’ll describe where they form, how they travel, and the circumstances that contribute to their arrival in the brain. It’s important to note that even a small thrombus can cause a wide range of Nuvaring side effects.

Inappropriate Blood Clots In The Legs

Thrombi often form in the legs due, in part, to inactivity. Normally, when you move your legs, the muscles compress the veins, and push blood toward your heart. If you are routinely inactive for long periods of time, blood circulates more slowly.

This problem is exacerbated by the hormones released by the birth control ring. Studies have shown that estrogen and a progestin called desogestrel increase the likelihood of inappropriate clot formation. Once blood clots form in the legs, they pose a risk of becoming separated from the venous wall. They are then able to travel to the heart.

How Clots Travel To The Heart

The venous system in the legs connects to a large blood vessel known as the inferior vena cava (IVC). Deoxygenated blood travels upward from the legs into the IVC, which extends to the heart. The IVC delivers blood to the upper right chamber of the heart (i.e. right atrium).

When a thrombus in the legs breaks off, it migrates along the same route. It is carried along by deoxygenated blood to the inferior vena cava, and onward toward the heart. As blood enters the right atrium, so does the clot.

Circumstances That Result In Clots Exiting The Heart

Deoxygenated blood flows from the right atrium to the right ventricle (lower chamber), and then to the lungs, where it is replenished with oxygen. Blood then travels from the lungs to the left atrium, and is then pumped to the left ventricle. Finally, it is pumped out of the heart to the rest of the body.

When thrombi enter the right side of the heart, they cannot immediately cross to the left side (barring a congenital defect, which we will explain in a moment). A wall of tissue called the septum separates the two sides. Clots are instead pumped to the lungs via the pulmonary arteries, where they travel downstream until they are either dissolved, or become lodged. A thrombus that obstructs one of these arteries causes a pulmonary embolism.

One of several outcomes of a PE is increased blood pressure in the lungs and right side of the heart. This pressure can trigger an arrhythmia, a condition in which the heart’s rhythm becomes abnormal. It may beat too slowly, too quickly, or quiver in an erratic fashion. Some arrhythmias can prevent the heart from pumping blood properly, allowing it to pool inside the chambers. When blood pools, it becomes stagnant and can begin to clot. If this occurs in the left atrium or ventricle, the clots can be pumped out of the heart.

A congenital defect called patent foramen ovale may allow thrombi that arrive in the right atrium to cross directly to the left atrium. This defect is a hole in the septum between the atria. As before, once clots reach the left side, they can be pumped outside the heart, where they migrate through a large artery called the aorta.

How Migrating Thrombi Cause A Stroke

Oxygen-rich blood flows from the heart through the aorta to the rest of the body. Downstream in the aorta lie the left and right carotid arteries; they deliver blood to every part of the brain, ensuring a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients. Thrombi can travel into these blood vessels. Similar to clots in the pulmonary arteries, they will migrate downstream until they dissolve or cause a blockage. The latter event will trigger a stroke.

Nuvaring Lawsuit 2011
Some side effects involving a stroke may cause minimal difficulty for the survivor. Others, such as paralysis, vision deficits, and speech-language impairments, can be debilitating. If you have suffered from blood clots, pulmonary embolism, stroke, or other serious Nuvaring side effects, you may be able to file a claim for compensation. Contact an experienced Nuvaring lawyer to discuss your options.

The ASR XL Acetabular system is a metal-on-metal (MoM) hip prosthesis; the femoral stem, ball, and cup are made of a cobalt-chromium alloy. Below, we’ll describe how the device is designed, and the reasons it has been linked to metal poisoning. We’ll also cover the known side effects associated with high levels of metallic debris.

Design Of The ASR XL Acetabular System

Conventional hip implants are designed with a polyethylene liner that rests between the cup and femoral ball. It functions as a buffer between the two components, eliminating friction between them. The drawback with this design is that the ball must be smaller in order to accommodate the liner. This increases the likelihood of a dislocation.

Newer hip prostheses, such as the ASR XL, lack the polyethylene liner. The femoral ball is larger, and rests directly against the inner surface of the cup. While the larger ball and its deeper setting reduce the chances of a dislocation, it also leads to friction between the metal components. The result is that the device releases metal ions into the nearby soft tissues.

An additional problem exists with the ASR. Experienced orthopedists have complained that the acetabular piece is too shallow, and thus causes more friction than normal for a metal-on-metal hip implant. This is believed to be a design flaw, which helped spur calls for a DePuy hip recall.

Cobalt And Chromium Poisoning

The particles released from the ASR hip replacement land in the soft tissues, and enter the bloodstream. This debris is comprised of cobalt and chromium ions. While the body usually contains a trace amount of cobalt, it is very small, measuring approximately 0.3 micrograms per liter of blood. Patients who have received the DePuy ASR commonly test for much higher levels, sometimes approaching the point of toxicity.

Chromium poisoning is also dangerous. Here too, the body already contains a small amount of the heavy metal; it helps process protein, sugar, and fat. However, high levels of chromium have been associated with a number of complications that affect kidney, respiratory, and vascular function. A high concentration of the metal has also been linked to cancer.

Hip Side Effects Stemming From Metal Poisoning

Aside from the long-term side effects of cobalt and chromium poisoning, the debris from the ASR hip implant also causes complications in the short run. First, metal contamination prompts an autoimmune response from the body’s immune system. The body attacks the foreign particles by inflaming the area in which they are found. It does this to isolate the debris, and prevent it from moving to other parts of the body.

Second, inflammation can affect the synovial membrane, which normally helps to lubricate the joint. This causes a painful condition known as synovitis. The patient will find that moving the joint becomes increasingly difficult due to pain and swelling. With time, small masses called pseudotumors form.

Third, metal debris in the bloodstream eventually reaches the bone tissue. This causes the bone to weaken. Because the ASR XL Acetabular system relies upon the patient’s bone for stability, the components may begin to loosen.

Many experienced surgeons informed DePuy Orthopaedics about the problems inherent in the design of the ASR’s cup. They did so long before the DePuy hip replacement recall was announced in 2010. Evidence suggests the joint manufacturer resisted issuing a recall despite clear signs that their prosthesis was defective.

If you received an ASR implant, and are currently suffering from hip pain, loosening of the device, or other serious DePuy side effects, learn more about your legal rights. Contact a DePuy lawsuit settlement attorney to discuss your case. We are currently representing hip implant patients throughout the United States.

A PE is caused by blood clots (called thrombi) that block the pulmonary arteries. In nine out of ten diagnosed cases, these clots originate in the deep veins of the legs (called deep vein thrombosis, or DVT). They travel to the arteries of the lungs, and cause an obstruction that restricts blood flow to the lung tissue. Depending on your medical history, and the severity of the condition, emergency treatment may be necessary.

First Response To A PE

Once your doctor confirms your vital signs are under control, he or she will determine the most appropriate first response. Assuming the pulmonary arterial blockage is mild, and thus does not present an immediate danger to your life, treatment normally begins with anticoagulation therapy. It is administered with warfarin and heparin.

Both may be given at the same time. Warfarin is given orally in pill form, and requires a few days to take effect. Heparin is given intravenously, and starts to work immediately. Once warfarin begins to show results, heparin is usually stopped.

Both drugs are sometimes called “blood thinners” even though neither actually “thins” your blood. Instead, they interrupt your body’s clotting process, thereby slowing the rate of coagulation. One of the risks of anticoagulation therapy is that the medications can cause internal bleeding. Given the nature of a Nuvaring PE, however, the benefits of providing these drugs usually outweigh the risk.

Thrombolytic Drugs For Aggressive Treatment

In some cases, a pulmonary embolism is large, or has gone untreated for an extended period. Both circumstances can pose an immediate health risk. The PE may threaten to cause substantial – and permanent – lung damage, and even place your life in danger. In such times, thrombolytic drugs are given. This is a treatment approach that is more aggressive than anticoagulation therapy.

Unlike anticoagulants that merely slow the rate of coagulation, thrombolytics actively dissolve existing clots. They activate a proenzyme called plasminogen, and convert it into an enzyme called plasmin. Plasmin is an essential component of your body’s fibrinolysis process (i.e. the breakdown of blood clots). It causes fibrin strands, which “hold” clots together, to deteriorate.

The problem with thrombolytic medications is similar to that of using anticoagulants: internal bleeding. Here, the risk is higher, however. Most doctors are thus loathe to administer thrombolytics if their patients have undergone recent surgery, or have an existing bleeding disorder. When they are given, it is usually because the patient’s life is at stake.

Surgical Clot Elimination

Prior to the introduction and widespread availability of thrombolytic medications, surgical embolectomy was the primary emergency treatment approach. This is a procedure during which an embolus is removed. It may be performed using a catheter, or through open chest surgery (i.e. thoracotomy). During the operation, the surgeon will usually place a filter in the vena cava to prevent subsequent clots from reaching the lungs. You may also be placed on anticoagulants for several months following the procedure.

Doctors normally reserve pulmonary embolectomy as a treatment option for patients who are dying, or cannot tolerate thrombolytic drugs due to the risk of hemorrhage. Sometimes, the procedure is done when thrombolysis fails to dissolve clots quickly enough.

Nuvaring Lawsuit News
As mentioned earlier, the consequences of a pulmonary embolism can be mild or severe. Mortality is rare, and depends largely on an accurate, timely diagnosis and prompt treatment. If you have suffered from blood clots, DVT, or other serious Nuvaring side effects, you may be able to file a claim against the contraceptive ring’s manufacturer. Contact a Nuvaring lawsuit 2011 attorney to discuss your case.