Here are five key facts on the suits.
1. To maintain a surgical patient’s body temperature, the device uses a portable blower to force warm air through a flexible hose onto a disposable blanket draped over the patient. The plaintiffs allege the blanket’s warm air disrupted the normal air flow in the operating room, thus enabling bacteria to circulate and enter the incision.
2. Patients claim they contracted infections which required more medical procedures such as the premature replacement of their prosthetic devices and amputations. At least 14 suits have been filed against the companies in federal courts throughout the United States.
3. Additionally, the plaintiffs allege 3M and Arizant were fully aware of the risk posed by the device since 2009 and continued to market the device as safe. Presently, there are 50,000 units used throughout the United States.
4. The attorney representing various plaintiffs in the pending lawsuit is seeking consolidation of all federal suits. The consolidation would eliminate the possibility for inconsistent rulings of the cases’ common issue of fact, enable coordinated pretrial discovery and raise judicial efficiency.
5. 3M and Arizant opposed the motion, claiming that proceedings in two suits in Texas and Kansas are at an advanced stage.
More articles on devices:
Frankfurt University Hospital purchases ROSA robotic surgery system
Codman Neuro develops MRI-resistant programmable value for hydrocephalus: 6 key notes
Alexander Bone & Spine in Miami offering SCS implants: 5 notes
At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 11-13 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.
