Nuvaring Pulmonary Embolism PE

by Steve Fields on December 30th, 2009

NuvaRing pulmonary embolism is caused by blood clots that form within the deep veins of your calves or thighs (though they can also form in your arms and pelvis). These veins are buried within groups of muscles. Each time the muscles move, they squeeze around the veins, propelling blood up to the vena cava and onward toward your heart. This squeezing activity can cause blood clots to break off and travel with your blood. Please contact us for more information regarding filing a Nuva ring lawsuit.

If the emboli (i.e. migrating clots) travel to your pulmonary arteries and form a blockage, they can starve your lung tissue of blood. You will suffer Nuva Ring PE, a condition that is potentially fatal.

Below, you’ll learn how pulmonary embolism is treated. I’ll explain the initial approach taken by doctors to limit the damage to your lung tissue and other forms of treatment that may be necessary to preserve your life.

Anticoagulants

Because the damage to your lungs during PE is caused by a clot-induced blockage, the immediate medical response is focused on preventing further clotting. This is accomplished with blood thinners. Your doctor will administer heparin (intravenously) or warfarin (in pill form). Both may be given to you at the same time, though your doctor will stop administering heparin once warfarin begins taking effect. While there is a risk of hemorrhaging associated with these anticoagulants, that risk is outweighed by the benefits of preventing further blood clots.

Thrombolytic Therapy

There are cases in which NuvaRing pulmonary embolism cannot be resolved with anticoagulants. For example, your body may be unable to tolerate them well. Or, the severity of the blockage is large enough that a more aggressive approach is appropriate. In such circumstances, your doctor may use thrombolysis to dissolve the offending clots.

Thrombolytic therapy is performed by threading a catheter to the site of the blockage. A tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), urokinase, or a protein-based medication called streptokinase is injected at the site. Both are effective in dissolving clots. However, both present a high risk of bleeding and therefore, doctors reserve thrombolysis for large clots that pose a serious risk to your life.

Suction Thrombectomy

Suction thrombectomy is another catheter procedure; it is performed with the goal of extracting the offending clot rather than dissolving it (as during thrombolysis). The catheter is guided through the pulmonary artery toward the blockage. A salt-based solution is then injected at the site. Pressure from the injection draws the blood clot toward the catheter’s tip. The tip is equipped with a rotating mechanical device that breaks apart the clot before extraction.

Pulmonary Embolectomy

Pulmonary embolectomy is a surgical procedure that is used sparingly, typically when other forms of treatments have proven ineffective and your life is in immediate danger. A surgeon will attempt to remove the offending clot from your pulmonary artery. There is a risk of dislodging other blood clots during the procedure, potentially causing subsequent pulmonary embolism.

Compression Stockings And Vena Cava Filters

Once NuvaRing PE has been successfully treated, your doctor may recommend measures to prevent future occurrences. This is usually the case when deep vein thrombosis exists. Compression stockings can be worn around your calves in order to create pressure on your deep veins. The artificial pressure prevents clotting and encourages blood flow toward your heart.

Most cases of PE are caused by blood clots that migrate from your legs through your vena cava en route to your pulmonary arteries. To prevent this from occurring, your doctor may recommend a vena cava filter. This is a metal net that is installed within your vena cava in order to catch emboli before they can reach your lungs.

Blood clots within your deep veins are one of many serious side effects of NuvaRing. These clots can trigger pulmonary embolism, an event that is potentially life-threatening. If you have suffered abnormal clotting, PE, stroke, or other NuvaRing problems, you may be entitled to file a claim against the manufacturer. Contact one of our NuvaRing attorneys to discuss your case and explore your options.