Pulmonary embolisms (PE), blood clots that obstruct the function of the lungs, kill 100,000 to 200,000 Americans every year. Estimates of death due to PE are not exact because the presentation of PE mimics heart attack, so PE-related death may be undercounted or attributed nonspecifically to “cardiopulmonary arrest.” In any event, PE is regarded as a leading cause of death in the U.S. and officially ranked third behind heart attacks and stroke. Many of these deaths are preventable if proper medical care is provided. A Cleveland, OH medical malpractice lawyer can help patients and families evaluate whether a failure to diagnose or treat a pulmonary embolism may constitute medical negligence and pursue accountability when preventable harm occurs.
Between 1999 and 2008, deaths due to PE declined in the U.S. However, recently, mortality rates have climbed, according to a National Institute of Health report. Rates are higher in rural areas and among African Americans, likely due to poorer care provided to these patient populations. Rates are also higher in patients with obesity, immobility and in smokers.
PEs typically start in the deep veins of the legs. This is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). When clots in the leg grow large, they become unstable. An unstable clot can break free and travel to the lung where it causes obstruction. There are numerous medical conditions that increase the risk of pulmonary embolism, such as cancer, abdominal surgery, C sections and orthopedic surgeries on the lower extremities like hip replacement and knee replacement. Many patients with atrial fibrillation (A Fib) are also at high risk for blood clots. Because of the increased risk in certain patients, preventative measures are indicated to prevent the formation of clots. The usual preventative measure is anticoagulant medication (aka “blood thinners”) like Coumadin, Xarelto, Pradaxa and Eliquis. Other treatment options may include antiplatelet medications like Plavix and aspirin. Patients who are not eligible for the medication regimens may require surgical placement of a filter to prevent clots from traveling to the lungs.
Because PEs are so common and life-threatening, many medical studies have been done that focus on prevention. As a result of these studies, there are a number of strict guidelines addressing when preventative measures are necessary. These studies focus on risk factors, including recent major surgery. New guidelines were issued this month that are well worth being aware of. These were developed with the input of ten professional societies, including the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology and the American Chest Physicians (a pulmonology group). Separate guidelines were developed by the American College of Obstretics and Gynecology to address the unique risks faced by pregnant mothers especially after C section.
PEs are diagnosed with a combination of a simple blood test, called a d-Dimer test, and a CT scan using dye contrast. Once someone has a PE, treatment options are limited. So, the key is prevention in high-risk patients.
Under Ohio law, medical malpractice occurs when care falls below accepted standards of care and that results in otherwise preventable harm, like wrongful death. Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A. has handled numerous cases where clients have lost a loved one due to medical errors leading to a fatal PE. We are here to assist in investigating when proper treatment and advice are not given by negligent doctors.
