Negligent Angioplasty Malpractice Law in Oregon & Southwest Washington
Coronary artery disease is caused by the buildup of cholesterol plaque (arteriosclerosis) in the arteries leading to the heart. People who experience high levels of discomfort in their chest may have a blockage in the arteries of their heart. A coronary artery blockage may put someone at risk for a fatal heart attack. Angioplasty has rapidly become one of the most common surgeries performed to reduce coronary artery blockage and usually involves the insertion of a stent as part of a catheterization procedure. Unfortunately, negligent angioplasty is not uncommon and can leave patients with serious or even life-threatening medical damages.
Coronary Angioplasty Medical Malpractice
During a coronary angioplasty procedure, a balloon-tipped catheter is temporarily inserted into the clogged artery. The goal is to enlarge a narrowing artery in the heart. Angioplasty successfully opens blocked coronary arteries in over 90 percent of patients who undergo the operation. About a third of patients will develop recurrent narrowing at the site of the catheter after successful angioplasty. Higher success rates and reduced complications are associated with the use of intracoronary stents, modern pharmacologic agents, and atherectomies. Recurrent narrowing at the catheter site is reduced to 10 percent after insertion of a stent.
During the insertion of the catheter and expansion of the balloon to make room for a stent, a number of serious medical problems can occur. These complications may include tears and punctures to the arterial lining or damage to the heart valves. In addition, if the compressed plaque causing the blockage is not entirely removed, it can release into the arteries.
Injuries resulting from mistakes in negligent angioplasty procedures can cause serious heart problems that may require major coronary surgery. In some cases, negligent angioplasty may be fatal. If you or a loved one suffered from medical negligence associated with angioplasty, contact the medical malpractice law firm of Miller & Wagner in Portland for a free consultation.
Unnecessary Cardiac Surgeries & Medical Malpractice
Unnecessary cardiac surgery, including angioplasty, is a serious form of medical malpractice that can lead to severe medical conditions for unsuspecting patients. Cardiac surgery is associated with many risks even for those who legitimately need the operation. For patients who need the surgery, the benefits of the procedure will typically outweigh any risks. However, when unnecessary cardiac surgeries are performed, the risks are much greater than any potential benefit. For example, coronary artery bypass surgery is a highly complex procedure in which complications may lead to permanent heart damage or, in some cases, death.
Negligent Ablation & Medical Malpractice
Ablation is a surgical procedure intended to remove or reduce tissue in the body through radio-wave frequency. Although it is a standard procedure that treats numerous medical conditions, ablation is most commonly performed to eliminate heart arrhythmia. Tissue buildup is often a result of previous coronary surgery. When patients undergo unnecessary surgery, or suffer damages during a negligent angioplasty procedure, the result may be various ongoing health problems including the need for an additional ablation.
Medical Malpractice Attorneys in Oregon and Southwest Washington on Your Side
Dave Miller and Bob Wagner both began their legal careers as defense lawyers for malpractice insurance companies. They have deep insight and knowledge into the claim evaluation and investigation process from the defense side. They also have access to a vast network of outstanding medical experts and trusted professionals whose involvement with your case is indispensable to its success.
We advise and represent people whose surgical injury claims involve such mistakes as:
- Injuries from angioplasty or insertion of stents
- Heart disease and heart attack diagnostic errors
- Coronary artery bypass surgery errors
- Negligent ablation
- Mismanagement of postoperative medications
- Injuries from plaque and foreign objects caught in arteries
- Avoidable postsurgical infections
- Anesthesia errors leading to death or permanent brain damage
- Surgical cutting errors or laparoscopy surgery errors
- Failure to monitor vital signs during or after surgery
From our law offices in Portland, the medical malpractice trial attorneys at Miller & Wagner represent plaintiffs in negligent angioplasty claims against physicians and healthcare providers throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington.