There are a number of different types of products that play a role in the modern medical system. There are various prescription drugs that doctors recommend to treat symptoms and cure infections. There are also supplies that allow medical professionals to provide treatment, ranging from scalpels to blood pressure cuffs. Sometimes, medical patients use specialized products to treat or control their health concerns.
Most people assume that medical devices sold to the public are subject to rigorous testing and safety standards. Unfortunately, sometimes those products fail. When that happens, they may do more harm than good. Medical device manufacturers sometimes need to recall products that have proven problematic. Those recalls often occur after injuries to those using the products.
What are some of the most significant recent medical device recalls?
Ventilators, BiPAP machines and CPAP machines
Sleep apnea is an increasingly common medical issue. People with sleep apnea may struggle to get adequate rest. They are also at risk of experiencing a medical emergency while they are unconscious at night. Devices intended to help them with breathing, including ventilators, BiPAP machines and CPAP machines, are popular recommendations.
Unfortunately, there has been a massive recall of these devices because of unsafe foam used in the mask. The foam may degrade over time, leading to people inhaling or swallowing the particles. The potential for illness and possibly even cancer development is what led to the widespread recall of these devices.
Hip implants
People’s joints may degrade as they age. Overuse or traumatic injuries may leave people unable to perform basic life functions due to mobility limitations. Hip implants give people an opportunity to get back on their feet when a hip joint fails or causes excruciating pain. Unfortunately, those implants can fail, leading to infection, revision surgery and worsening functional challenges.
Implanted defibrillator devices
Cardiac issues are a leading cause of death in the United States. As people age, their hearts may not work as effectively as they did when people were younger. Surgeons are now able to implant devices that deliver an electric shock to restart the heart or correct abnormal heart rhythms. Unfortunately, in some cases, these devices can fail after surgical implantation. The failure of an implanted defibrillation device might lead to premature death or debilitating surgery.
There have been a host of other medical devices recalled in recent years, including various meshes used for hernias and prolapses. Individuals harmed by defective products sometimes have the option of pursuing a product defect lawsuit, even if the manufacturer has recalled those devices. Discussing the issues related to the failure of a medical device with a skilled legal team can help people evaluate their options for holding businesses accountable for harm.