Fox 43 News reports that the allegations against a Towson cardiologist accused of having implanted stents in hundreds of patients who didn’t need them have prompted members of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) to release a statement telling heart patients they should not avoid stent procedures. According to SCAI, inappropriate stent procedures are rare, and stents can greatly improve the quality of life in patients who need them. The case has been widely covered by the media in Maryland and many other states, and SCAI is concerned that patients will be scared away from a procedure that may save their lives.
However, many physicians, attorneys, and Senate investigators believe that inappropriate stent procedures occur far too often, and other reports have suggested that over-stenting could be a nationwide problem that is putting thousands of patients at great risk.
During a heart attack, a stent procedure can save a patient’s life by opening a blocked artery, thus allowing blood to travel properly away from the heart. A stent cannot prevent every heart attack, but it can improve health and quality of life by keeping blocked arteries open.
To help prevent inappropriate stent use in future, SCAI and the American College of Cardiology have submitted a draft Maryland Cardiovascular Patient Safety Act to the Maryland legislature. The Act would require accreditation of outpatient cardiovascular labs that implant stents.
If you’re facing serious heart distress or other heart problems, a stent may save your life. However, stents can also increase the risk of blood clots, which is an acceptable risk for many heart-attack patients, but not for those who did not need a stent implanted in the first place. Experienced Maryland stent implant surgery malpractice attorney Steven H. Heisler “The Injury Lawyer” has handled a wide range of stent-related cases. He will examine the details of your stent implant surgery thoroughly and work to protect your legal rights. To schedule a free and confidential case evaluation, please don’t hesitate to call The Law Offices of Steven H. Heisler today at 877-228-4878.
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