What Is the Abbott Trifecta Heart Valve?
The Abbott Trifecta Valve uses bovine tissue to replace damaged aortic valves in heart patients. Introduced in 2011, these valves were marketed as durable solutions with a 15-20 year lifespan, making them an attractive option for New York City patients needing valve replacement.
Medical evidence now shows these valves failing at alarming rates, often within just 3-5 years after implantation. This premature deterioration puts patients at significant risk and typically requires additional surgical intervention.
Research published in JAMA Cardiology found Trifecta valves had a three-fold higher risk of structural deterioration compared to similar products. Studies in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery documented concerning rates of leaflet tears and calcification.
When these valves fail, patients experience symptoms including shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, and irregular heartbeats. Many require emergency revision surgery—a procedure with mortality rates significantly higher than the initial operation.
Despite mounting evidence of problems, Abbott allegedly delayed warning patients and physicians about these risks until February 2023, potentially endangering thousands of New York City patients who received these devices.
Critical Valve Complications
NYC patients with Abbott Trifecta heart valves have reported numerous severe complications. Understanding these risks is essential when considering legal action with our Abbott Trifecta valve attorneys.
Despite durability promises, many valves fail within 3-5 years, forcing NYC patients into risky replacement surgeries.
Valve components frequently tear or calcify prematurely, restricting blood flow and causing dangerous cardiac strain.
Failed valves allow regurgitation, causing fatigue, breathing difficulties, and serious complications for NYC patients.
Valve failures necessitate dangerous reoperations with mortality rates up to five times higher than initial procedures.
Some NYC patients have suffered death, stroke, heart attack, or permanent cardiac damage from these valve failures.
The NYC Abbott Trifecta valve lawyers at William Mattar Law Offices understand the devastating impact of these complications. We’re committed to helping victims throughout the five boroughs secure the compensation they deserve for medical expenses, lost income, and suffering.
Legal Grounds for Claims
Patients harmed by Abbott Trifecta valves have several strong legal arguments for seeking compensation. Our Abbott Trifecta valve attorneys can help determine if filing a claim is right for your situation.
Evidence suggests fundamental design flaws in Trifecta valves creating strong liability claims against the manufacturer.
Abbott allegedly knew about deterioration risks but failed to adequately warn NYC doctors and patients.
Abbott promoted these valves as durable despite apparent knowledge of potential early failure issues.
Some cases involve manufacturing defects that compromised valve integrity and contributed to failures.
The NYC Abbott Trifecta valve attorneys at William Mattar Law Offices understand complex medical device litigation. Our team helps patients throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island document their injuries and build compelling legal claims before time limitations expire.
New York City Patient Eligibility
If you or a loved one in New York City received an Abbott Trifecta heart valve and experienced complications, you may qualify for compensation. Our NYC medical device attorneys are evaluating cases meeting these criteria:
Qualification factors:
- Received an Abbott Trifecta valve between 2011 and February 17, 2023
- Specific models include TF-19A through TF-29A or TFGT-19A through TFGT-29A
- Experienced valve failure requiring reoperation
- Diagnosed with valve stenosis, regurgitation, or leaflet deterioration
- Lost a family member due to complications from a failed Trifecta valve
Important evidence to gather:
- Surgical records confirming Trifecta valve implantation
- Medical imaging showing valve deterioration
- Documentation of valve-related symptoms
- Records of any reoperation or additional procedures
- Medical bills related to valve complications
Even without current symptoms, regular cardiac monitoring is essential if you have a Trifecta valve.
Critical Patient Steps
If you have an Abbott Trifecta heart valve, taking prompt action is essential to protect your health and legal rights. Follow these important steps if you believe you’re affected by this defective medical device.
See a NYC cardiologist immediately. Request comprehensive valve assessment even without obvious symptoms.
Obtain complete medical records including surgical notes with valve model information and follow-up care.
Watch for breathing problems, chest pain, fatigue, or irregular heartbeat. Seek immediate NYC medical care if needed.
Document all medical costs, medications, travel expenses, missed work, and quality-of-life impacts.
Time limitations restrict how long you have to file a claim in New York City. The Abbott Trifecta valve lawyers at William Mattar Law Offices can quickly determine if you qualify for compensation through our simple case evaluation process.
NYC Case Review
Affected by a failed Abbott Trifecta valve in NYC? Our New York City Abbott Trifecta valve attorneys can fight for the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, pain, and financial losses. Don’t delay checking your eligibility.