Atherectomy Amputation Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

An artery-cleaning procedure known as atherectomy, which is performed to treat the symptoms of peripheral artery disease (PAD), has recently been linked to an increased risk for limb amputations and other adverse health outcomes.
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C.L. Mike Schmidt Published by C.L. Mike Schmidt
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If you or a loved one was forced to have a limb amputated after undergoing an atherectomy procedure, you should contact our lawyers today.

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Atherectomy Amputation Lawsuit Overview

Lawsuits are being filed alleging that atherectomy procedures, which are performed to treat peripheral artery disease (PAD), have been linked to an increased risk of limb amputations and other adverse health outcomes.

Atherectomy is an artery-cleaning procedure that uses a wire armed with a tiny blade or laser to remove plaque from arteries, but growing medical research shows patients who undergo these procedures are more likely to experience amputations compared to those receiving alternative treatments.

Latest Atherectomy Amputation Lawsuit 2025 Updates

  • February 11, 2025 – The Medical Malpractice Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP is currently accepting atherectomy amputation lawsuits nationwide and handling individual litigation in all 50 states.
  • Summer 2020 – A lawsuit was filed against a Michigan doctor, Dr. Jihad Mustapha, after patient Kelly Hanna underwent at least 18 atherectomies on her legs in less than 2 years, resulting in amputation despite being told the procedures would prevent such an outcome [1].
  • May 2022 – The Michigan Attorney General’s Office filed suit against Dr. Mustapha after an expert review concluded his practice was “characterized by over-treatment and poor documentation.” The doctor agreed to pay $25,000 and take medical education courses.

“Our study demonstrates higher than expected rates of major amputation for patients undergoing peripheral arterial atherectomy about previously reported rates. Further studies may be required to prove the efficacy and safety of atherectomy for occlusive disease in the femoral-popliteal and tibial-peroneal segments to ensure outcomes are not worse than the natural history of medically managed claudicants.”- Dr. Dipankar Mukherjee , Board-Certified Vascular and General Surgeon at Inova Fairfax Medical Campus in Falls Church, Virginia.

FDA Reports and Statistics 2025 Updates

While specific FDA warnings are not mentioned in the original article, several key medical studies document concerning statistics about atherectomy procedures:

  • A May 2018 study in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery found major amputation was performed in 2.3% and 3.2% of patients who underwent femoral-popliteal atherectomy in office and hospital outpatient settings respectively [2].
  • Amputation rates were even higher for tibial-peroneal atherectomy at 5.0% and 8.1% in office and hospital outpatient settings.
  • A 2019 study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found the 5-year rate of major adverse limb events was 38% in patients receiving atherectomy versus 33% for PTA and 32% for stenting [3].
  • An insurance company investigation revealed at least 45 people lost limbs after being treated at one doctor’s clinics over a 4-year period.

Atherectomy Amputation Injuries & Side Effects

Patients undergoing atherectomy procedures for peripheral artery disease face several serious potential complications:

  • Limb Amputation: Complete loss of leg or foot following the procedure
  • Blood Vessel Damage: Injury to arteries during the procedure
  • Excessive Bleeding: Hemorrhage during or after the procedure
  • Restenosis: Re-narrowing of the treated artery requiring additional procedures

Related Article: Medical Malpractice Lawsuits

Do You Qualify for an Atherectomy Amputation Lawsuit?

You may qualify for an atherectomy amputation lawsuit if:

  • You underwent an atherectomy procedure to treat peripheral artery disease.
  • You experienced amputation or other serious complications following the procedure.
  • The injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization.
  • You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to the atherectomy procedure.
  • The procedure was performed by a healthcare provider who failed to meet the standard of care.

Evidence Required for an Atherectomy Amputation Lawsuit

To build a strong atherectomy amputation case, you will need:

  • Medical records documenting the atherectomy procedure
  • Records of subsequent amputation or complications
  • Expert testimony regarding the standard of care
  • Documentation of medical expenses
  • Records of any communication with healthcare providers about risks and outcomes

Damages You Can Recover

Compensation in an atherectomy amputation lawsuit may include:

  • Medical expenses for treatment and rehabilitation
  • Lost wages due to inability to work
  • Pain and suffering from physical and emotional trauma
  • Loss of quality of life
  • Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

Atherectomy Procedure Information

Atherectomy is a procedure used to treat peripheral artery disease, which affects approximately 12 million Americans.

While the procedure is intended to improve blood flow in blocked arteries, studies show higher than expected rates of adverse outcomes:

  • A 2018 study found higher than expected rates of major amputation for patients undergoing peripheral arterial atherectomy.
  • Researchers concluded further studies are needed to prove the efficacy and safety of atherectomy for occlusive disease.
  • The 5-year clinical outcome study found atherectomy patients had a higher risk of major amputation compared to patients treated with stenting.

“Atherectomy is used to treat severe femoropopliteal and tibial peripheral arterial disease even though long‐term adverse outcomes occur more frequently after this treatment modality,” the authors concluded. –Niveditta Ramkumar, MPH, The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice Lebanon.

Statute of Limitations for Atherectomy Amputation Lawsuits

The time to file an atherectomy amputation lawsuit varies by state. It’s crucial to contact our law firm immediately to ensure you don’t miss the deadline applicable in your location.

Acting quickly provides more leverage for your case.

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FAQs

1. What is the basis for an atherectomy amputation lawsuit?

A lawsuit may be based on medical malpractice, negligence, or product liability. Claims may argue that the healthcare provider failed to perform the procedure correctly, did not adequately inform the patient of the risks, or used defective medical devices like the Rotarex Atherectomy.

2. What types of compensation can be sought in these lawsuits?

Compensation may include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and in some cases, punitive damages.

3. What evidence is needed to support an atherectomy amputation lawsuit?

Evidence may include medical records, expert testimony, records of the procedure and its complications, documentation of medical expenses, and any communication with healthcare providers about the risks and outcomes.

4. How do I prove negligence in an atherectomy amputation lawsuit?

To prove negligence, you must demonstrate that the healthcare provider failed to meet the standard of care, this failure caused the complication, and the complication resulted in significant harm, such as amputation.

5. How many atherectomy procedures result in amputation?

According to studies, major amputation rates range from 2.3% to 8.1% depending on the location of the procedure and whether it was performed in an office or hospital setting.

6. What is peripheral artery disease?

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition in which plaque, calcium, and other materials build up in the arteries of the legs, affecting approximately 12 million Americans.

7. Are there alternatives to atherectomy for treating PAD?

Yes, alternatives include lifestyle changes, medication, balloon angioplasty (PTA), and stenting, which some studies show may have lower amputation rates than atherectomy.

8. Which doctors are being sued for atherectomy complications?

The original article mentions Dr. Jihad Mustapha, who practiced in Lansing and Grand Rapids, Michigan, as being sued for causing multiple unnecessary amputations due to excessive use of atherectomy procedures.

9. How long do I have to file an atherectomy amputation lawsuit?

The statute of limitations varies by state but generally ranges from 1-3 years from the date of injury or discovery of the injury.

10. What should I do if I’ve experienced complications after an atherectomy?

Seek immediate medical attention, document all symptoms and treatments, retain all medical records, and consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.

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Have you or a loved one suffered an injury because of a negligent doctor who failed to perform their duties competently?

Get Your Free Atherectomy Amputation Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for atherectomy amputation injuries. Most states only allow a short window from the date of injury to file a claim.

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  • Free, confidential consultations
  • No upfront costs or fees
  • Payment only if we win your case

The Medical Malpractice Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP is an experienced team of trial lawyers focusing on the representation of plaintiffs in Atherectomy Amputation Lawsuits nationwide.

Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek the compensation you deserve for your atherectomy amputation injuries.

Reference:

  1. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/15/health/atherectomy-peripheral-artery-disease.html
  2. https://misuse.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/error/abuse.shtml
  3. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.119.012081

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