Illinois Impella Heart Pump Lawsuit: Latest 2024 Update

Quick Summary

• In Illinois, individuals impacted by purported Impella heart pump failures are turning to the legal system for recourse.
• This article provides a direct look into the allegations driving the Illinois Impella heart pump lawsuit. It offers an understanding of patient rights, details on how to pursue legal action, and what compensation might be involved for those who have suffered injuries.
• If you or someone close to you has experienced complications from the Impella heart pump, Schmidt & Clark, LLP, stands ready to support you. Recognized for our expertise in representing plaintiffs, our foremost goal is to help you secure the justice and reparation you are entitled to.

How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?

S&C can help with your claim by providing expert legal guidance and representation tailored to your specific situation.

Our team is dedicated to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. We offer:

• Thorough case evaluation to assess the strength of your claim
• Personalized legal strategies designed to maximize your chances of success
• Aggressive advocacy to negotiate settlements or pursue litigation if necessary

Impella Heart Pump Lawsuit

Across Illinois, residents who have suffered due to the Impella heart pump are seeking justice. Lawsuits are being filed against Abiomed, the manufacturer of the device, alleging that the pump has caused severe injuries and even fatalities.

The fundamental assertion in Impella heart pump lawsuits is that Abiomed failed to ensure the safety of consumers, a claim that has been underscored by the FDA’s notification regarding the reporting of device defects.

If you’re among the affected, it’s crucial to know your rights and understand how to navigate this complex legal landscape.

You’re advised to reach out to law firms offering free consultations to discuss potential compensation for medical costs and lost wages that have resulted from Impella heart pump injuries. But understanding your rights is only the first step.

What Is an Impella Heart Pump?

An Impella heart pump is a type of medical device used to assist the heart in pumping blood when it is unable to do so effectively on its own.

It is inserted into the heart via catheterization and works by drawing blood from the left ventricle and expelling it into the aorta, thereby helping to maintain blood flow throughout the body. This device is often used in patients with severe heart failure or undergoing certain cardiac procedures.

Patients with acute heart failure who have undergone percutaneous coronary interventions have been identified as being at a higher risk for complications from the Impella heart pump.

According to the FDA, Abiomed’s Impella 5.5 heart pump devices, in particular, have been reported to encounter specific problems such as leaks and mechanical damage, leading to complications for patients [1].

These experiences underscore the very real and very serious impact of Impella heart pump failures in Illinois.

Reasons Behind The Recall

In Illinois, the recalls of the Impella heart pump have raised major concerns. The FDA issued a Class I recall for various Impella blood pump products, representing the most serious level of danger due to risks such as heart perforation, left ventricle perforation, and reduced blood flow that could result in serious injuries or death.

These recalls affected multiple models of the Impella heart pump, including the 2.5 pump, CP models, 5.0 device, 5.5 with SmartAssist technology, and LD model. Over 66,000 devices were distributed between October 2021 and October 2023.

But it’s not just about the numbers. Abiomed reported 179 complaints and three injuries related to the Impella 5.5 with SmartAssist device, which was part of the recall.

According to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, across all recalled Impella devices, there have been 129 reported serious injuries and 49 deaths. These recalls don’t just represent faulty devices-they represent lives affected and even lost [2].

The recalls for the Impella heart pump devices began in April 2023, with the Impella 5.5 devices being recalled following user reports of leaks and mechanical damage. In June 2023, Abiomed announced a recall of the Impella blood pump devices, including the Impella RP Flex with SmartAssist.

The Impella 5.5 with SmartAssist was recalled due to products distributed from September 28, 2021, through March 6, 2023, and the Impella RP Flex with SmartAssist was recalled for units distributed since November 1, 2022.

Side Effects of Impella Heart Pump

Abiomed Impella heart pump complications can be serious, even life-threatening.

The device has been associated with:

• Higher death rates
• More bleeding complications compared to other types of devices, such as balloon pumps
• Cases of blood clots
• Heart wall tears
• Left ventricle perforation or free wall rupture
• Interactions with transcatheter aortic valve replacement stents
• Leaks leading to device failures

It is important to be aware of these potential complications when considering the use of a temporary blood pump, such as an Impella heart pump.

What’s more, certain individuals are more vulnerable to these complications. Older adults, women, and individuals with pre-existing heart conditions are particularly susceptible.

In the most severe cases, a torn heart wall caused by the Impella pump could lead to surgical emergencies with exceptionally low survival rates. Therefore, identifying these injuries quickly and accurately is crucial to your legal case.

Ventricular perforation is a rare complication during a high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) when supported by Impella® (Abiomed). However, instrumentation of the left ventricle several days after transmural infarct potentially increases susceptibility for perforation – Ismael A Salas de Armas (MD), Assistant professor at McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth)

The Status Of The Impella Heart Pump Lawsuit Litigation in Illinois

As of now, the status of the Impella heart pump lawsuit litigation in Illinois remains in progress, with ongoing legal proceedings.

Multiple lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturers of the Impella heart pump, alleging various issues such as device failure, complications, and inadequate warnings about potential risks.

Legal experts are closely monitoring these cases, which are subject to developments as they progress through the court system.

How Do You Qualify for an Impella Heart Pump Lawsuit?

To qualify for an Impella heart pump lawsuit, you must demonstrate that the device was defective and that this defectiveness led to serious adverse health consequences during use, such as brain damage from reduced blood flow or even death due to blood flow complications.

A valid lawsuit could be initiated when a patient who underwent valve replacement surgery experiences a confirmed Impella pump failure that causes injury or death. Manufacturers may be sued for not adequately warning doctors of the risks associated with the Impella heart pumps, particularly after valve replacement procedures that could lead to pump malfunctions and fractures.

Impella Heart Pump Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Illinois

Settlement amounts can vary widely depending on factors such as the severity of injuries, the number of plaintiffs involved, and the outcomes of individual cases. It’s essential to consult legal experts familiar with your case details for accurate information regarding potential settlement amounts and options for pursuing compensation.

Medical expenses and lost earnings can be significant after the severe health complications that can arise from an Impella heart pump malfunction.

Victims may obtain compensation for various medical-related costs, such as:

• Hospital bills
• Costs of surgeries
• Medications
• Therapy
• Other medical costs

Compensation can also cover the loss of income when heart pump patients miss work due to their injuries, including projected future loss of income.

Beyond the financial toll, the physical and emotional pain can be debilitating for victims of Impella heart pump complications. Injured patients may claim reimbursement for excruciating pain associated with the use of Impella products and the ordeal of corrective surgery to remove the Impella device.

In addition to physical pain, plaintiffs may seek compensation for emotional distress caused by severe heart issues following the use of an Impella heart pump device.

Filing an Impella Heart Pump Lawsuit in Illinois

Taking legal action in Illinois due to complications from an Impella heart pump involves a multifaceted process. Victims of the device’s alleged failures are seeking justice and compensation for the harm they’ve experienced.

Types of Evidence To Present

When filing an Impella heart pump lawsuit in Illinois, it is crucial to present compelling evidence to support your claim. The types of evidence that can be presented include:

• Medical Records: Documenting the injuries suffered and treatments received due to the Impella heart pump. This includes hospital admission records, surgical reports, and discharge summaries.
• Expert Testimony: Specialists in cardiology, medical device engineering, or other relevant fields can provide insights into how the Impella heart pump may have malfunctioned and the consequences of such failure.
• Device Documentation: Records and logs from the Impella heart pump itself, which could reveal defects or malfunctions in the device.
• Witness Statements: Accounts from family members, friends, or healthcare professionals who can testify to the impact of the Impella heart pump complications on the patient’s life.
• Photographs and Videos: Visual evidence showing the injuries and their impact on the patient’s daily life.
• Financial Records: Documentation of all expenses related to the medical treatment, including bills, receipts, and statements to establish the economic damages incurred.
• Correspondence: Communications with healthcare providers or the device manufacturer that may indicate prior knowledge of potential risks or device issues.
• FDA Reports and Recalls: Information published by the FDA regarding safety concerns, warnings, or recalls of the Impella heart pump that can demonstrate a history of problems with the device.

Presenting a thorough and detailed collection of evidence is fundamental to building a strong case and achieving a successful outcome in your lawsuit.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for the Impella Heart Pump Lawsuit In Illinois?

The statute of limitations for the Impella heart pump lawsuit in Illinois is generally two years from the date of injury discovery or when the injury should have reasonably been discovered.

Due to the complexity of these cases and the potential for exceptions to this rule, it is advised to consult with a legal professional promptly to ensure compliance with these critical deadlines.

Related Article: Arkansas Impella Heart Pump Lawsuit

See all related medical device lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

Get Your Free Consultation From Illinois Our Lawyers

Schmidt & Clark, LLP is here to assist you in these difficult times. If you or someone close to you has been affected by the Impella heart pump, please consider reaching out to us.

Our experienced team is equipped to handle such cases and will guide you through the legal process with clarity. We’ll help you understand your rights and assess the merits of your claim.

We offer free initial consultations, and our fees are based on the successful resolution of your case. Our commitment is to provide you with the dedicated and caring representation that our firm is known for. Contact us to discuss your case in detail.

Reference:

1. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/medical-device-recalls/abiomed-recalls-specific-impella-55-smartassist-purge-fluid-leaks-can-cause-pump-stop-and-loss
2. https://www.sts.org/news/fda-announces-class-i-recall-abiomed-impella-instructions-use-left-sided-blood-pumps