Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism can range from mild shortness of breath to pulmonary infarction (i.e. death of the lung tissue). Their severity depends largely on the extent of the blockage. In some cases, typically when blood clots in the lungs are small, symptoms are absent. In other cases, a massive occlusion of the pulmonary arteries can result in sudden death. If you have suffered from a blood clot please contact us for the latest Nuvaring lawsuit 2011 news.
The condition can be addressed with varying forms of treatment, including the use of blood thinners, thrombolytic drugs, and even surgery for life-threatening blockages. But these represent solutions that are administered after Nuvaring side effects caused by a PE has already occurred. When possible, doctors will seek to prevent the lung arteries from becoming blocked in the first place. One of the methods for doing so is to install a vena cava filter. Understanding how it prevents PE requires knowing how blood clots reach the lungs.
From The Legs To The Lungs: What Causes A PE?
Pulmonary embolism is usually caused by clots that arrive in the lungs after forming in the legs. These clots develop in the deep veins of the calves and thighs, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Deep veins are buried among your leg muscles, which contract whenever you move. When the muscles contract, they squeeze the deep veins and propel oxygen-poor blood toward your heart. Thus, they play an important role in your body’s circulatory system.
When clots are present within your leg veins, the squeezing activity of the surrounding muscles can dislodge them from the venous lining. This allows the clots to roam freely, carried along with your bloodstream.
The deep veins in your legs connect to a large central vein called the inferior vena cava. Blood travels from your lower extremities through this single vein on its way to your heart and lungs. When Nuvaring blood clots become dislodged, they are left free to travel along this same route.
The inferior vena cava feeds blood into the right side of your heart. Blood is then pumped into the pulmonary arteries to receive oxygen. Clots, too, can be pumped into the arteries where they become lodged and create a blockage. If they prevent blood from reaching the underlying tissue, you will experience a pulmonary embolism.
If you already have a DVT, and your doctor suspects you are in danger of suffering a PE, he or she may recommend a vena cava filter.
Installation Of A Vena Cava Filter
Because of its appearance, the filter is often called an umbrella. It is metal and functions like a net that traps emboli (i.e. migrating clots) as they move through the vena cava toward your heart. Trapping clots prevents them from reaching your lungs and blocking one of your pulmonary arteries.
The filter is deployed through a catheter. Your doctor may administer general anesthesia or a local anesthetic prior to its installation to prevent discomfort. An incision is made into the groin or arm (and less commonly in the neck) and the catheter is inserted with the umbrella attached to its tip. The umbrella remains collapsed while your doctor guides the catheter into your vena cava toward the targeted deployment site. When the site is reached, the filter is opened and the catheter is removed. The entire procedure can normally be completed in less than an hour.
With the filter installed, wandering clots become trapped while blood is allowed to flow through unobstructed. Emboli that are caught in the umbrella often begin dissolving on their own; if they do, they present few problems. If the trapped clots fail to dissolve, the filter may eventually need to be withdrawn and emptied before being reinstalled.
Nuvaring Lawsuit 2011
A pulmonary embolism is considered a medical emergency since a large blockage can cause extensive lung damage. If you or someone you know has suffered from blood clots, DVT, pulmonary embolism, or other Nuvaring side effects, find out about your legal rights. Contact a Nuvaring lawyer to discuss your options and for the latest Nuvaring lawsuit settlements news.
