Innovative medical devices have undoubtedly saved lives and improved the field of medicine over the past few decades. From hip joints to defibrillators, medical devices have added years to some patients’ lives, while improving the overall quality of life for others. Sometimes, however, these medical devices are implanted incorrectly, the parts are defective or they create problems inside the body that result in injuries and even death.
When a surgical error or a defective medical device leads to further health deterioration, the outcome can be devastating. If you or someone you love has suffered an injury from a defective medical device, there is recourse. Talk to a defective medical device attorney to learn how to move forward with your claim and what your options are for pursuing compensation.
Types of Defective Medical Devices
Each year, millions of people use various medical devices such as hip replacements, pacemakers and artificial knee joints without believing they present a serious health risk. Most patients assume these devices will allow them to lead healthy and more fulfilling lives. But this isn’t always the case. Defective medical devices can leave users at risk of serious and lifelong injuries.
Some examples of defective medical devices include:
- Pacemakers that either stopped or failed to maintain a proper heart rhythm
- Heart valve implants that leak or fracture, resulting in emergency surgery or death
- Defective hip replacement parts
- Infections caused by unsterilized medical device components
- Artificial knee joints, disks or hernia patches that fail to work properly
- Breast implants or any other device that can compromise the immune system
- Malfunctioning insulin pumps, defibrillators or other devices
Why are they Unsafe?
Oftentimes, medical devices are sold without the proper disclosures, meaning that patients do not have the opportunity to decide whether a device’s benefits outweigh its risks.
Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the organization responsible for scrutinizing medical devices before they are used. However, the Administration is under continual pressure from device manufacturers to approve devices quickly. This has led to premature approval, as devices do not always undergo the necessary clinical tests and trials. As a result, some medical devices intended to help patients actually create more harm than if their condition was left untreated.