Johnson & Johnson Cypher Stent Injury

Johnson & Johnson Cypher Stent

The Cleveland Clinic Cardiovascular Coordinating Center conducted an extensive study into the potential dangers of drug-emitting cardiac stents such as the Johnson & Johnson Cypher Stent and discovered a four- to five-fold increase in the likelihood of potentially fatal side effects compared to non-medicated stents. The most dangerous side effect of these defective medical devices are blood clots that can result in strokes, heart attacks, and pulmonary embolisms.

In order to determine further risks from these stents, the Food and Drug Administration is assembling an investigative panel during the week of December 11th. The FDA will then decide if there are further preventative measures necessary to protect the health of the public.

If you or someone you know has a drug coated coronary stent, you should talk to your doctor immediately. You are might not be in danger, but there is a potential for serious health risks. Let our dedicated and aggressive defective medical device drug-coated coronary stent lawyers help you get the financial compensation you may deserve.

In November 2003, the Food and Drug Administration alerted the medical device manufacturer Johnson & Johnson to dangers of its drug-coated Cypher Stent. According to reports from medical professionals around the country, the Cypher Stent was linked to 60 deaths and hundreds of injuries due to blood clots allegedly caused by the device.

How do the Johnson & Johnson Cypher Stents work?

The active ingriedient in the Johnson & Johnson Cypher Stent dangers is a drug called sirolimus.  This antibiotic coats the wire mesh that holds arteries open, and it is designed to reduce the rate of arterial collapse after angioplasties.  Unfortunately, sirolimus thrombosis and Cypher sub acute thrombosis (Cypher and Taxus SAT) can sometimes occur with the Johnson & Johnson Cypher Stent, and the sirolimus eluting stent is no exception

What do doctors do with Cypher Stents?

Cypher Stents are used during to hold open blood vessels after an angioplasty relieves and removes any blockage. Unfortunately, many angioplasty patients need follow up procedures, as up to 15-30% of the patients suffer from re-clogged arteries after the angioplasty. The Cypher Stent is unique because it is infused with a drug that attempts to reduce the rate of re-blockage and maintain arterial health.

Have there been any consequences to the defective Cypher Stents?

The FDA sent out two warnings about the Cypher Stent in 2003 alone due to the propensity of the device to cause blood clots in the patients that use them. In fact, there were 290 reported cases of blood clots in patients within 30 days of implantation of the device.

In addition the potential risks of stent failure and blood clots, the Food and Drug Administration identified almost 50 reports of serious injury and death due to several potential hypersensitive reactions.  Some of these symptoms include:

• Flu-like conditions
• Fever
• Body aches and pains
• Rash
• Itching
• Hives
• Respiratory difficulties
• Blood pressure irregularities

The most dangerous side effects of the Johnson & Johnson Cypher Stent include:

• Blood Clot
• Thrombosis
• Subacute stent thrombosis

If you were injured by the Johnson & Johnson Cypher Stent you may be entitled to take legal action to claim financial compensation based on your pain and suffering. Do not hesitate, for laws called statutes of limitations restrict the amount of time you have to press your case. Let an experienced, dedicated, and knowledgeable defective medical device attorney represent you and get you the compensation you deserve. Contact one today.

Updated 12/8/06

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