Raizner Slania filed a lawsuit against 3M Company and Arizant Healthcare on behalf of a Massachusetts woman who suffered severe complications from the companies’ Bair Hugger warming blanket used during surgery.
In May 2012, the plaintiff underwent a surgery in which the Bair Hugger Forced Air Warming System was used during the procedure. As a direct result of using Bair Hugger, contaminates were introduced into the plaintiff’s wound during the surgery that caused her to develop a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), also known as a deep joint infection (DJI).
Because of the infection, the plaintiff had to undergo multi-staged removal and revision arthroplasties, placement of antibiotic spacers, antibiotic therapy, knee aspirations, irrigation, and debridement with arthrotomy and polyethylene exchange.
The deep joint infection caused the plaintiff not only extensive pain and suffering, but also caused her substantial economic loss in both lost wages and medical bills.
The plaintiff alleges 3M and Arizant failed to adequately warn her of the increased infection risk associated with the Bair Hugger system. Additionally, she claims the companies breached their implied warranty of merchantability and that the device is defective both as designed and manufactured.
Bair Hugger Lawsuits
Because the majority of patients experience hypothermia during surgery, warming systems like the Bair Hugger are used to help stabilize body temperature. By keeping the body at a consistent temperature, patients experience less bleeding and have a quicker recovery. The Bair Hugger is a composite blanket with holes in it from which the warm air is disbursed over the patient. The warm air is pumped through a hose into the blanket and then onto the patient. As the medical device is forcing the warm air onto the patient, it is prone to send airborne particles and contaminants through the system and spread them onto the patient.
In 2010, the inventor of the Bair Hugger asked hospitals to stop using the device during surgeries because he believed it puts patients at an increased risk for infections. Despite this, the device is still used in the majority of hospitals across the country.
Bair Hugger Infection Attorneys
If you or someone you love developed a deep joint infection after a total hip or knee replacement surgery you might be entitled to compensation. Contact the Bair Hugger infection attorneys at Raizner Slania today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
