Cypher Stent Attorneys

The Food and Drug Administration sent out two warnings in 2003 alone to alert the medical device manufacturer Johnson & Johnson and physicians to dangers of its drug-coated Cypher Stent. According to reports from medical professionals around the country, the Cypher was concerning the serious, sometimes fatal, side effects associated with the Cordis Cypher Heart Stent.

The Cypher stent is manufactured by Cordis Corporation, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. Approved by the FDA in April 2003, the Cypher Stent is used during to hold open blood vessels after an angioplasty to relieve and remove 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.

On November 30, 2006, the American Journal of Medicine published the findings of a study conducted by the Cleveland Clinic Cardiovascular Coordinating Center that concluded patients with a drug-emitting coronary stent are four to five times more likely to suffer from late thrombosis, or blood clot formation, as are people with standard bare metal stents. Blood clots can lead to potentially fatal strokes, heart attacks, and pulmonary embolisms.

To date, more than 60 deaths have been linked to the Cypher stent, with an additional 290 cases of thrombosis or blood clots among patients 30 days after receiving the device. In still other cases, medical or surgical intervention was required. Other reported side effects include, pain, hives/Rash, fever, respiratory difficulty, fluctuations in blood pressure, and clotting.

If you or a loved one has suffered any of the symptoms listed above and feels it is related to the implanted Cypher stent, you may have a right to seek compensation. Contact our service today so we can put you in touch with experienced Cypher Stent Attorneys who can help you with your case.