Nuvaring Lawsuits 2012
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a mass obstructs one of the arteries of the lungs. If you have suffered a pulmonary embolism or other blood clot, please contact us for the most recent Nuvaring lawsuits 2012 update. Blood flow through the vessel becomes restricted, causing shortness of breath, chest pain, and often, a bloody cough. In extreme cases, the patient may experience cyanosis and even sudden death.
Most cases of Nuvaring side effects involving a PE are caused by blood clots that form elsewhere in the body. The most common site is the deep veins of the legs. Called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a thrombus breaks free of the vein’s wall (i.e. embolizes), and travels to the heart and lungs.
The leg veins drain into a large blood vessel called the inferior vena cava (IVC). Thrombi that have embolized from the legs travel through the IVC toward the lungs. If a patient is susceptible to clotting in the legs, and a PE is likely, a metal filter can be installed within the vena cava. The filter catches clots as they migrate to the lungs.
Clinical Evaluation For Pulmonary Embolism
Before a person can be considered a candidate for a vena cava filter, the presence of a DVT or pulmonary embolism must be confirmed. Duplex ultrasound of the legs is done to detect clots inside the deep veins. A helical computed tomography (CT) scan is done to examine the lungs.
If results from ultrasound and CT scanning are inconclusive, a ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan can be performed. This is a two-step study that introduces a trace amount of radioactive material into the pulmonary arteries and air passages.
A PE may remain difficult to diagnose since symptoms are nonspecific. If the above tests fail to confirm a suspicion of thrombi in the arteries of the lungs, a pulmonary angiogram can be performed. A contrast material is delivered directly into the pulmonary arteries through a catheter. X-rays are taken to display the dye as it moves through the vessels.
While the results from pulmonary angiography are the most accurate for diagnosing a PE, the test is invasive. Moreover, it poses a risk of short-term side effects, such as an arrhythmia and kidney damage.
Why Vena Cava Filters Are Installed
Once a PE has been conclusively diagnosed, anticoagulants are given to prevent further clotting. If an obstruction in the pulmonary arteries is large, thrombolytic drugs can be administered. Known as “clot-busting” agents, these medications actively dissolve existing thrombi. In most cases, such measures can resolve the condition and restore blood flow to the lung tissue. There are circumstances, however, that require the installation of an IVC filter.
Many patients cannot tolerate anticoagulants or thrombolytic therapy due to one or more contraindications. These include existing bleeding disorders, venous or arterial trauma, or a concurrent hemorrhagic stroke. Other patients may receive these drugs, but develop complications that require therapy to be stopped. Some patients develop DVT or PE while receiving anticoagulation therapy. Each of these circumstances justify the placement of a filter within the inferior vena cava.
Potential Problems With IVC Filter Placement
Placement of the filter is performed via a catheter. A contrast dye is usually injected into the IVC to help the radiologist guide the catheter to the installation site. Once the filter has been deployed, and its position evaluated, the catheter is withdrawn. The procedure requires approximately one hour to complete.
There are several possible complications that can occur during installation. For example, the contrast dye may cause an allergic reaction; a piece of the metal filter might perforate the IVC; the filter may migrate toward the heart; or bleeding and infection may occur at the installation site. Also, the device may catch so many clots that blood flow through the vena cava becomes restricted. In this case, the filter must be removed, emptied, and redeployed.
A pulmonary embolism is a serious medical condition. In some cases, it may become life-threatening without rapid treatment. If you have suffered from abnormal clotting, DVT, PE, or other serious Nuvaring side effects, you may be able to file a claim for compensation. Contact an experienced Nuvaring lawsuits attorney to discuss your legal options.