Defective Medical Devices

Posted on June 12, 2018

Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyers alert consumers to the risks of defective medical devices.There are a wide range of innovative medical devices on the market today that allow patients to live longer, healthier, and with an improved quality of life. Just as we put our trust in the healthcare professionals in charge of our care, we trust that the medical device is going to be safe and effective.

Unfortunately, this is not always the case. When a device is not properly used or sterilized, it can cause serious injuries, life-threatening infections, and even death.

All medical devices must go through a rigorous approval process with the FDA before they are introduced to the marketplace. This typically involves years of clinical and laboratory testing to ensure that the product is safe. While the FDA is responsible for protecting the public from defective medical devices, the approval process is not always perfect.

As a result, medical devices are sometimes introduced to the marketplace too soon. If a physician is aware that there are problems associated with the device, but fails to discuss the potential health hazards with the patient, this can seriously jeopardize the health and safety of the patient.

While most defective medical devices are recalled, too often it is after patients have already become injured or ill. If you have suffered an injury from a defective medical device, the Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton are committed to protecting your rights and providing the skilled legal counsel you deserve.

Examples of Defective Medical Devices

  • DePuy Hip Implants: DePuy Orthopaedics recalled two of their popular hip implants, including the ASR XL Acetabular System and the ASR Hip Resurfacing System, after patients complained about implant failure and the need for painful corrective surgeries. Even patients who have not experienced any complications from the implant have been advised to have their blood levels regularly checked, as they could be at risk for complications associated with elevated cobalt levels.
  • Knee Replacements: Certain knee replacement systems have caused a range of problems, including pain, swelling, instability, and heat at the replacement site. Two examples of defective knee replacement devices are the Zimmer NexGen CR-Flex and the DePuy Knee Implant
  • Transvaginal Mesh: This device is used to correct pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence. The mesh patch has been known to erode and cause organ perforation after it has been implanted on the vaginal wall.
  • IVC Filters: These small, basket-like devices are inserted into the inferior vena cava (IVC) to catch blood clots, allowing the blood to continue to flow. One of the most common injuries associated with the IVC filter is the formation of a lump at the site of insertion. Other injuries include pulmonary embolisms, cardiac issues, perforation of the IVC, and piercing of the renal vein.
  • Insulin Pumps: Used to control blood sugar levels for diabetic patients, insulin pumps deliver insulin through a small tube that is inserted into the skin. When the pump malfunctions, it can cause serious health complications, including respiratory failure, hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, and coma.
  • Stockert 3T Heating-Cooling System: This device helps improve a patient’s medical care by controlling his or her body temperature during surgery. Water tanks provide temperature-controlled water for warming or cooling blankets through closed circuits. In 2016, the FDA released a statement warning doctors that the device has been linked to Mycobacterium chimaera (M. chimaera) infections, which can cause serious, even fatal infections.
  • Medtronic SynchroMed II Pain Pump: Also known as an infusion pump, this pain pump uses a catheter to deliver pain medication near the spinal cord for patients who are being treated for cancer, chronic pain, and other health conditions that cause moderate to severe pain. Complications associated with the pump include overdose, underdose, lack of therapeutic effectiveness, withdrawal, respiratory depression, pump blockage, coma, and death.

Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Seek Justice for Victims of Defective Medical Devices

If you have been seriously injured by a defective medical device, the Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton are on your side. If your healthcare provider did not discuss the complications associated with the medical device that was used, we will take the appropriate legal action and ensure that your rights are protected at all times. Our dedicated team will seek obtain the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent medical malpractice victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.