Raizner Slania has filed a Bair Hugger lawsuit on behalf of a Missouri woman against 3M Company and Arizant Healthcare after she suffered a severe infection from the device.
On October 2011, the plaintiff underwent surgery in which the Bair Hugger warming blanket was used throughout the scope of her right total hip arthroplasty. The Bair Hugger introduced contaminants into her open surgical wound that caused her to develop a deep joint infection or DJI. The pathogens identified were a rare serratia marcescens and a rare corynebacterium.
Serratia marcescens or S. marcescens is a rod-shaped gram negative bacteria commonly associated with hospital acquired infections (HAIs). S. marcescens accounts for approximately 1.4% of all HAI in the United States each year. Many strains of S. marcescens are resistant to antibiotics commonly used to treat infections.
Corynebacterium is a rare type of gram positive bacteria that can be commonly found in patients with artificial devices and joints. Corynebacterium is an opportunistic bacteria, making it very dangerous for patients with compromised immune systems. Corynebacterium is responsible for many serious diseases and conditions including diphtheria, inflammation of the lung tissues, and inflammation of the inner lining of the heart, among others.
As a result of the infection caused by the Bair Hugger, the plaintiff was forced to undergo multi-staged removal and revision arthroplasties, multiple irrigation and debridements, antibiotic bead placement, placement of antibiotic spacers, and PICC line antibiotic therapy. The plaintiff suffered additional complications as a result of the infection, including a septic hip, and was ultimately placed on lifetime antibiotic therapy.
The plaintiff alleges 3M and Arizant failed to adequately warn patients and doctors of the infection risk associated with the device and that the device is defective in design and manufacture.
Bair Hugger Lawsuits
If you suffered a deep joint infection after a hip or knee joint surgery, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the manufacturers. The Bair Hugger lawsuits attorneys at Raizner Slania can analyze your case and help you understand your legal options. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.