Yaz Lawsuit FDA Information

by admin on August 13th, 2010

Ocella, Yasmin and Yaz side effects involving blood clots (called thrombi) that form in the deep veins of the legs pose a risk of breaking away and traveling to the lungs. If they pass into the pulmonary arteries, they can obstruct blood flow to the underlying lung tissue. This causes breathing difficulties, chest pain, a persistent cough with bloody sputum, and other symptoms characteristic of a pulmonary embolism. Please contact us for the latest Yaz lawsuit FDA warnings information.

Starved of blood, the lung tissue will eventually sustain damage. In many cases, the damage becomes permanent; the tissue is replaced with scarring. This leads to chronic impairment of lung function and its accompanying side effects.

Some people experience a mild PE absent of noticeable symptoms. Others experience a massive blockage of the pulmonary arteries, which can be life-threatening. While such blockages are rare, they can cause sudden death. For this reason, your doctor may use one or more aggressive treatment measures to eliminate large blood clots in the lungs.

Thrombolytic Therapy: Clot-Busting Medications

Thrombolytic drugs, such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), streptokinase, and urokinase are used to dissolve thrombi. They do so by targeting the fibrin strands that form a protective mesh over the obstructing clot’s platelet plug. The medications activate plasminogen, which turns into plasmin. Plasmin then digests the fibrin strands. With the strands dissolved, the base plug breaks apart.

These medications are typically delivered through a catheter, though they are occasionally administered intravenously or via injection. The advantage to using them is that results can be produced quickly. The downside is that thrombolytic therapy sharply increases the risk of internal bleeding. Consequently, if you have an existing clotting disorder or have undergone recent surgery, these drugs may not be given. Much depends on the size of the arterial obstruction and the potential damage it poses to your lung tissue.

Suction Thrombectomy: Catheter-Directed Clot Extraction

If thrombolytics are contraindicated, your doctor may perform a catheter technique called suction thrombectomy. A catheter is inserted into a vein near your groin. It is then passed through the inferior vena cava, and advanced through the right side of your heart. Your doctor will direct the catheter into the blocked pulmonary artery, moving it next to the obstructing blood clot.

A saline-based solution is then introduced into the occluded artery. It is done so with sufficient pressure to create a vacuum. The clot is thus drawn toward the tip of the catheter, which is equipped with a device that is designed to shatter it. The individual fragments are then withdrawn.

The danger with suction thrombectomy is that the procedure may dislodge the obstructing clot, sending it further downstream in the blocked artery.

Pulmonary Embolectomy: Surgical Removal Of Thrombi

In rare circumstances, surgery may be necessary to remove a large clot from a blocked pulmonary artery, and restore blood flow to your lungs. This is done using a procedure called pulmonary embolectomy. It is reserved for situations in which a PE has placed your life in danger, and other treatments are ill-advised or have proven to be ineffective.

The operation is often performed through open chest surgery (i.e. thoracotomy). Your heart will be stopped and connected to a cardiopulmonary bypass. This is a device that takes over the task of blood circulation for your heart.

Your surgeon will cut through and split your breastbone to gain access to your lungs and the occluded pulmonary artery. An incision is then made into the artery near the blockage, and the blood clot is removed. To prevent subsequent Yaz problems caused by PE, your doctor may install a vena cava filter. This is a device designed to catch emboli (i.e. migrating masses, such as clots) as they travel from your legs to your lungs.

Pulmonary embolism symptoms are rarely lethal. Clots that form in the legs and migrate to the lungs are generally small. They can, however, cause lung damage if they block a pulmonary artery. If you have suffered blood clots, PE, or other side effects after using Ocella, Yasmin or Yaz birth control, you may have the right to file a claim against the manufacturer. Contact a Yaz lawsuit settlements lawyer to discuss your case.