$37 Million Settlement in Stent Class Action Suit

In a landmark settlement in the field of unnecessary stent litigation, St. Joseph Medical Center has agreed to a $36,825,000 million settlement for former patients of Dr. Mark G. Midei-a cardiologist who practiced at the hospital and has been accused of performing unnecessary cardiac stent procedures on hundreds of patients. The settlement could result in payments of at least $134,000 for as many as 273 patients. These 273 patients had stent(s) placed by Dr. Midei at St. Joseph Medical Center between January 2004 and June 2009 and received notification letters from St. Joseph Medical Center concerning its review of those stent placements.

A stent is a metal mesh tube used to open blocked arteries in the heart; in the right circumstance, it can be a lifesaving procedure. But it is alleged that Dr. Midei-while improperly supervised by St. Joseph’s staff-performed the procedure repeatedly when it was medically unnecessary, exposing patients to added risks and expense. Lasting effects for some patients include life-long monitoring and drug therapy.

Murphy, Falcon & Murphy is lead class counsel in the class action suit filed against St. Joseph on behalf of these patients.

“We are pleased this case appears headed to a conclusion that will benefit those patients who have suffered through this situation,” said Managing Partner,Hassan Murphy. “They deserve the closure this settlement will bring.”