Philadelphia Aortic Dissection Lawyer
If you were injured or suffered serious heart or other organ damage caused by a misdiagnosis or delayed treatment of an aortic dissection, you may be entitled to compensation with a medical malpractice claim. Here at The Villari Firm, PLLC, our Philadelphia aortic dissection lawyer helps our clients prove negligence, and thereby receive fair compensation for their damages. We also assist the loved ones of those who have passed away due to wrongful death when a doctor’s preventable mistake leads to the unnecessary death of your spouse, child, parent, or other family member.
What Exactly is an Aortic Dissection?
An aortic dissection is a life threatening medical condition in which the inner layer of the aorta tears or rips. As blood gushes through the tear, the pressure forces the middle and inner layers of the aorta to split, or dissect. Not all aortic dissections are fatal, but once the blood passes through the anterior aortic wall, death is a likely outcome. Factors that increase the chances of an aortic dissection include:
- High blood pressure
- A valve defect
- Turner syndrome
- Marfan syndrome
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Loeys-Dietz syndrome
- Hardened arteries (atherosclerosis)
- Narrowing of the aorta at birth (aortic coarctation)
- Weakened/bulging artery (aortic aneurysm)
- Narcotic drug use (specifically cocaine)
- High intensity weight lifting
- Smoking
How Does Aortic Dissection Occur?
The aorta does not simply rip and tear in such a dramatic fashion unexpectedly. Usually, there are telltale signs that healthcare providers are on the lookout for, such as sudden and severe chest pain, upper back, sudden and severe stomach pain, shortness of breath, leg pain, trouble walking, weak pulse, loss of consciousness, and other signs of stroke. While an aortic tear is a natural occurrence, particularly among men in their 60s and 70s, and is caused by a weakened area of the aorta wall, it can be detected and treated in many cases. When treatment is provided early, the chances of a patient having a favorable outcome greatly improves.
Dangers of Aortic Dissection
Aortic dissection is a potentially fatal condition, though death is not the only possible outcome if not treated in a timely manner. Injuries can include:
- Organ damage
- Kidney failure
- Intestinal damage
- Stroke
- Aortic valve damage
Early Diagnosis and Treatment is Key to Preventing Long Term Harm or Death
Aortic dissection can be diagnosed with various tests such as transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE), computerized tomography (CT) scan, and magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) scans. Treatment involves medication and emergency surgery, including the placement of a synthetic tube to reconstruct the aorta.
Contact a Philadelphia Aortic Dissection Lawyer Today
Aortic dissection is a dangerous, and often fatal, condition that healthcare providers must be ready to identify and treat if a patient complains of chest pains or back pain, or presents any signs and symptoms of stroke. Failure to do so is a form of medical negligence if a provider deviated from the standard of care they were supposed to provide. To learn more about your options, call The Villari Firm today at 215-372-8889 for a free consultation with one of our Philadelphia aortic dissection lawyers.
