Johnson & Johnson Cypher Stent Linked to Blood Clots

About the Cypher Stent

If you or a loved one developed clotting after having a Johnson & Johnson (Cordis Corp.) Cypher Stent implanted, you have rights and are urged to contact us as soon as possible.  The Cypher Stent is a drug coated coronary heart stent that is implanted in atherosclerosis patients during angioplasty surgery.  It is designed to inhibit further blockage and restenosis (reclosure) and to hold the artery open.  However, recent data indicate a high clotting risk with drug eluting stents such as the Cypher Stent. Johnson & Johnson’s Cypher Stent was approved in April 2003.  It emits the drug Sirolimus, which inhibits the overgrowth of the endothelial cells in the blood vessels.  Studies now indicate that the drug also inhibits the formation of a protective coating that grows to protect against clots.

Cleveland Clinic Analysis Shows Patients with Drug Coated Stents are 4-5 Times More Likely to Develop Blood Clots Compared to Older Bare Metal Stents

Dr. Deepak Bhatt of The Cleveland Clinic analysis examined 14 studies and 6,675 patients. The results were published in the American Journal of Medicine’s December 2006 issue and were released to the media on November 29, 2006. Nine studies were of sirolimus stents (cypher) and five were of paclitaxel stents (taxus). The study found a 4-5 fold increased risk for late thrombosis (blood clot formation) in patients with drug-eluting stents compared to those with bare-metal stents.  The sirolimus (cypher) trials suggested the need for anti-clotting medication for at least two to three months and the paclitaxel (taxus) trials suggested six months.  Following the study, cardiologists began recommending anticoagulants for a year or more. If a patient develops blood clots, (s)he is at a higher risk for heart attack.  Drug coated stents account for 80% of all stents implanted in the U.S., and it is estimated that 6 million people have had them implanted since they went on the market.  Health care professionals believe that drug coated stents keep the artery from repairing itself and forming a new lining. This lining, or an anticoagulant like Plavix, are necessary to prevent clots from forming and adhering to the stents.

Representing Cypher Stent Patients Nationwide

  • Did you or a loved one develop blood clots following the implantation of a drug coated stent such as Johnson & Johnson’s Cypher Stent?
  • If so, you have rights.  Please contact our experienced defective medical device attorneys today for a free stent consultation.
  • There are NO legal fees unless we win compensation in your Cypher Stent case.
  • Call 1-866-50-RIGHTS (1-866-507-4448) or fill out our online form today.

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