On May 10 the FDA announced an alert about a medical procedure called “liberation therapy” which is used to relieve chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency. The “treatment” is believed by some to have a positive effect on those suffering from multiple sclerosis.

The theory is that blood and spinal fluid cannot properly drain from the brain and spinal cord due to the narrowing of veins in the neck and chest. This procedure is used to widen those veins by angioplasty and stents similar to coronary artery procedures that relieve blockages.

These devices have not been approved by the FDA for this use and death, strokes and migration of the stents have been reported. In addition there is no evidence that this treatment has any real benefit to those with MS.

Experimental procedures like this one that can carry more risk than reward are very dangerous.  Anyone who has been involved with device that has been misused or used incorrectly may be entitled to financial compensation. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to a medical device you need to contact a St. Louis personal injury attorney immediately.   Visit our website to set up and appointment to find out how our personal injury experts can help you in your medical malpractice or personal injury claim.