In today’s issue of The American Association for Justice News Brief, there was an article about four deaths linked to a heater-cooler device. Read the entire article below:
Four deaths linked to infection from Pennsylvania hospital’s heater-cooler device for heart surgery
The New York Times (10/27, A19, Tavernise, Subscription Publication, 11.82M) reports that at least eight people who had open-heart surgery at WellSpan York Hospital in Pennsylvania have developed infections from nontuberculous mycobacteria. The infections have been linked to contamination with a device “used to heat and cool a patient’s blood during heart surgery.” Four patients with infections have died, “though officials said it was not clear whether the infection was the primary cause.” Joseph Perz, an epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said, “It’s simply unknown whether the deaths were caused by infection.” In a statement, the Food and Drug Administration warned that contaminated water could be transmitted through the air from the device’s exhaust vent.
The Philadelphia Inquirer (10/27, Avril, 641K) reports that the FDA “said it had received 32 reports worldwide of contamination or infection associated with heater-cooler devices, most in Europe.”
The Allentown (PA) Morning Call (10/27, 362K) reports that WellSpan officials “said they had sent letters about the infections to 1,300 patients who received open-heart surgery over the past four years.”
The Harrisburg (PA) Patriot-News (10/27, Wenner, 351K) reports that the hospital said its cleaning procedures “did not perfectly align” with the guidelines provided by the device manufacturer.
If you or a loved one have been affected by a defective medical device, you may have legal recourse to collect compensation for your damages. Don’t settle for an inexperienced attorney. The lawyers at Meshbesher & Spence will help you seek compensation for your injuries. Experience does make a difference. Please fill out the case evaluation form or call our offices to speak to an attorney today. There is no cost or obligation to have your case reviewed.