If you have had complications due to the Bard Composix Kugel Patch you may be entitled to compensation.

Millions of Americans receive stent implants each year to treat coronary artery disease. Next month a panel of medical experts will advise the FDA about what to do following a series of studies that indicate potentially serious complications regarding drug-eluding stents.

"Many top doctors and scientists admit they are in uncharted waters with a frightening problem that was largely unanticipated. By one estimate the devices already kill 2,000 Americans a year — and no one knows what the long-term danger will be." -- MSNBC

What is the Danger?

In the mid-1990s cardiologists began to use pieces of wire mesh, called stents, to help hold open artery walls as part of angioplasty procedures. It was soon discovered that the blood vessel's cells quickly grew back over the wire mesh, and in 20 to 30 percent of the cases, the vessel clogged again.

To solve this problem, drug-eluting stents (DES) were used. These stents are coated with a drug that discourages new cell growth - helping to keep the artery walls from closing.

In 2003 the FDA approved the use of drug coated stents, and these devices quickly captured most of the market.

A new potentially fatal hazard has been appearing. Because the drug coated stents are so effective at blocking the development of new cell growth, the DES's end up as a piece of metal sticking out in the artery. Unfortunately, this scenario creates the perfect environment for a blood clot to form and instantly block the artery.

In situations where this complication occurs, the risk of a potentially fatal heart attack increases.

An estimate from Drs. Sanjay Kaul and George Diamond from Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles, published on the Web site of the American College of Cardiology, estimates that deaths from the new devices exceed 2,000 a year. Studies from Europe regard the danger to be many times higher. Because the devices are so new no one knows how long the hazard persists.

Brown & Crouppen’s twenty-five year reputation for success is based on the firm’s commitment to deliver the best possible service to clients while making a real difference in people’s lives. We have represented many victims injured by defective medical devices and unsafe implants. We have invested significant effort and resources to hold the manufacturers of hazardous products accountable for the promises they make and the promises they break. Our product liability claims have included prostheses, heart devices (pacemakers and valves), hip replacements and knee replacements.

At Brown & Crouppen our experienced team of lawyers provide tough, aggressive representation for victims and their families. When you choose us to handle your lawsuit, our entire team becomes fully committed to your cause. We’ll find answers, hold negligent companies responsible and get you the compensation you deserve.

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Related News Headlines

Millions face risk from drug-coated stents - MSNBC
"Millions of Americans could be walking around with tiny time bombs in their hearts. The concern centers on devices called drug-eluting stents. Doctors implant them in the hearts of about a million Americans a year to treat coronary artery disease."