Marion man sues over problems with angioplasty

MORGANTOWN - A Marion County man has filed a suit against the manufacturer of a medical instrument after a balloon used during his coronary angioplasty failed.

Lewis N. Shroyer filed a suit Jan. 22 in Monongalia Circuit Court against Boston Scientific Corporation, claiming he was injured during a surgical procedure at Monongalia General Hospital.

Shroyer was a patient at Monongalia General on Jan. 24, 2006, under the care of Dr. John McKnight, a cardiologist. According to the suit, Shroyer was to have a percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty procedure, which required a cardiac cutting balloon.

Boston Scientific manufactured the balloon used by McKnight for the procedure.

According to the suit, the balloon failed and could not be withdrawn from Shroyer's heart arteries.

"After repeated unsuccessful attempts by several physicians over several hours, Shroyer was required to undergo open heart surgery for removal of the failed cutting balloon from his heart," the suit says.

As a result of the failed balloon, Shroyer was physically injured and required extensive hospitalization, care and treatment in order to survive.

According to the suit, the cutting balloon was unreasonably dangerous and not reasonably safe for the purposes intended.

Shroyer claims he has suffered medical bills totaling more than $273,185, loss of services totaling $75,000 and estimates he will suffer future medical costs of $123,000.

According to the suit, Shroyer has partial paralysis and damages to his left arm, hand and fingers, as well as post-surgery diabetes.

Carol Shroyer claims she sustained the loss of comfort, society, companionship and consortium of her husband.

Together, the Shroyers seek compensatory and punitive damages to cover their injuries and damages.

Attorney Wesley W. Metheney is representing the Shroyers.

Monongalia Circuit Court case number 08-C-59