Yaz Lawsuit Update 2010 News
Yaz side effects involving a pulmonary embolism is defined as a blockage in the lung arteries. This blockage prevents blood from reaching the lung tissue supplied by the affected artery. If it is not resolved, either through dissolution or removal, it can lead to permanent lung damage. Please contact us for the latest Yaz lawsuit update 2010 news.
There are several types of material that can obstruct the blood vessels of the lungs, including air bubbles, fatty deposits, and even small tumors. By far, however, the most common cause of a PE is a blood clot that forms in the deep veins of the calves or thighs. This is a known as deep vein thrombosis, or DVT. Such clots can embolize (i.e. break free of the venous wall) and travel to the lungs, causing an obstruction in the pulmonary arteries.
Once a pulmonary embolism has been diagnosed, a treatment plan is created based on the severity of the blockage and any conditions that preclude certain measures. Beyond addressing your immediate symptoms (e.g. low blood oxygen levels), treatment usually begins with anticoagulant drugs.
Preventing Further Clot Development
Anticoagulant medications are given to slow your body’s clotting system. This prevents the obstructing embolus from growing and further clots from forming. The drugs used for this purpose come in two main varieties: heparin, which has an immediate effect, and warfarin, which starts working after a few days.
When treating a PE, doctors try to slow the rate of clotting as quickly as possible. For this reason, both heparin and warfarin are usually given at the same time. Once warfarin begins to show results, heparin is stopped. Also, because use of natural – or unfractionated – heparin requires continuous blood monitoring, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is often used. The outcomes are similar, though LMWH precludes the need for constant monitoring.
When Anticoagulant Medications Are Ineffective
If an obstructing clot is very small, anticoagulant drugs may be the only treatment necessary. Your body’s natural clot-dissolving system can often break up the embolus. There are times, however, when heparin or warfarin are insufficient. They fail to slow your body’s clotting mechanism, and are unable to address larger emboli that may be life-threatening. In such cases, thrombolytic drugs are administered.
Thrombolytics are commonly called clot-busting medications. Drugs such as urokinase, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), and streptokinase dissolve fibrin, the sticky substance that forms the covering of a clot. These medications can be introduced through injection, IV, or directly into the blocked pulmonary artery via catheter. Often, a contrast dye is introduced that allows your doctor to take x-rays of your lungs and monitor the dissolution of the clots.
The main risk associated with thrombolysis is internal hemorrhaging. If your doctor suspects the risk is too great, he or she may recommend removing the obstructing clots through surgery.
Removing Blood Clots From The Lung Arteries
When use of thrombolytic drugs is contraindicated, or the embolus is massive, and thus places your life at risk, a pulmonary embolectomy is done. This is a procedure during which a surgeon will retrieve the emboli from your pulmonary arteries.
In the past, embolectomy was performed through thoracotomy. The chest was opened and the breastbone was split to provide the surgeon access to the affected lung. Today, the procedure is done by guiding a catheter (i.e. a thin tube) to the site of the blockage. An instrument on the tip of the catheter breaks up the clot so the pieces can be withdrawn through the tube’s opening. However, while pulmonary embolectomy may be necessary for the removal of life-threatening blood clots, not every surgeon has the expertise needed to perform the procedure.
Yaz Lawsuit Update 2010
Regardless of whether a pulmonary embolism is mild or severe, it is important to seek immediate medical attention when symptoms present. If you have suffered a deep vein thrombosis, PE, stroke or gallbladder removal after using Ocella, Yasmin or Yaz birth control, you may be able to file a claim for compensation against the manufacturer. Contact a Yaz lawsuit settlements lawyer to discuss your options.
