Nuvaring Lawsuit 2011

by Steve Fields on October 1st, 2011

Blood clots that block the pulmonary arteries prevent blood from reaching the lung tissue. If you have suffered from a blood clot caused by this birth control, please contact us for the latest Nuvaring lawsuit 2011 news and information. If the clots they are small, they may cause no immediate symptoms. Larger clots will usually cause chest pain, coughing (sometimes, with blood-tinged sputum), and a shortness of breath. In rare cases, a massive clot can cause a large blockage in the arteries that leads to the patient’s death. These problems characterize the presentation of Nuvaring side effects involving a pulmonary embolism.

One of the challenges doctors confront when a patient suffering from a PE arrives at the hospital is diagnosing the condition. Symptoms, when they display, are nonspecific. They can be caused by a mild heart attack, a severe arrhythmia, emphysema, and many other conditions. A number of tests are usually done to help the physician rule out competing diagnoses. One of these tests is a lung perfusion scan.

The Lung Perfusion Scan Explained

This study, sometimes called a ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan, measures airflow and blood flow in the lungs. This is accomplished by introducing a radioactive tracer into the air passages and blood vessels. There are two steps involved, though the order in which they are done varies by doctor.

The ventilation step focuses on the air sacs in the lungs. The patient is asked to inhale a gas that contains the radioisotopes. The gas carries the material through the air passages and distributes them into the alveoli. A special scanner is used to image the lungs from multiple angles. These images show the doctor the level of radioactive material in the lungs, and reveal areas of accumulation.

The perfusion step focuses on the veins and arteries of the lungs. The radioisotopes are introduced to the bloodstream via injection (typically, in the arm). As they migrate to the lungs, the doctor studies their movement. Areas where the radioactive material accumulates suggests blockages.

At this point in the study, it remains unclear whether the obstructions are caused by blood clots. A comparison of the results from both steps is necessary to narrow the condition to a pulmonary embolism.

Analyzing Results From A Lung Scan

If results from the ventilation step reveal an accumulation of the radioisotopes, but the perfusion step shows normal results, the problem is likely due to obstructive lung disease. This may include emphysema, asthma, or bronchitis. PE is typically ruled out, or results are regarded as a low probability for the condition.

If results from both the perfusion and ventilation steps are abnormal, they are considered a low probability for pulmonary embolism. The exception is when a ventilation deficit is minor while perfusion is severely limited. Otherwise, further testing may be done for emphysema, pneumonia, and other conditions.

If results from the perfusion step show reduced blood flow in the vessels, but the ventilation step shows normal results, a PE is highly likely. At this point, the doctor may choose to conduct other tests to confirm the condition.

Additional Studies Used To Detect A PE

D-dimer testing can be useful as a screening test for pulmonary embolism. D-dimers are small particles of fibrin that are present when clots dissolve. An elevated level of these particles suggests the presence of clots. A normal level can help rule out PE.

A CT angiogram is often used in place of a lung perfusion scan since it is accurate and requires less time. A contrast agent is introduced to the bloodstream, and its movement through the lungs is imaged. The images reveal areas of accumulation, similar to the radioisotopes in a V/Q scan.

Pulmonary arteriography is the most accurate study for diagnosing a Nuvaring PE. However, it is invasive. Given that CT angiography is nearly as accurate, pulmonary arteriography is rarely done. It is only ordered when results from CT imaging are unclear.

It is important to diagnose a pulmonary embolism as quickly as possible. A blockage in the arteries of the lungs can cause extensive damage to the tissue, and lead to scarring. If you have suffered from blood clots, PE, or other serious Nuvaring side effects, you may be able to file a claim against the contraceptive ring’s manufacturer. Contact an experienced Nuvaring lawsuit 2011 lawyer to discuss your case.