There is no doubt that medical devices have improved the lives of many Houston residents. These medical devices add years to a person’s life, and many times allow them to continue with a normal life. But a defective medical device can have devastating consequences.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning letter highlighting several issues with medical-grade wires and tubes that go into blood vessels. The tubes and wires have a coating on them that is used to reduce friction. These devices are used for many medical procedures, including being threaded into clogged arteries in the legs, unfold stents in blood vessels and place little nets to catch particles that may cause a stroke in the brain. Medical procedures have been revolutionized by doctor’s abilities to see inside the body.
There have been 11 product recalls since 2010 related to the coating on these wires. There have also been 500 adverse-event reports since 2014, including nine deaths. It appears that serious injuries are caused by the coatings flaking off. This can lead to adverse health effects from narrowing or blocking of blood vessels in the lungs, brain or heart. It is important that the correct devices are used properly and that such devices are properly stored.
Anyone who believes they have been injured because of these devices may want to speak with a legal professional familiar with drugs and medical devices. An attorney can review medical records, investigate the medical device and determine what happened to cause the injury. They can help clients seek to hold medical device manufacturing companies responsible for the injuries they cause to patients.