Hip And Knee Replacement Patients Allege Bair Hugger Caused Dangerous Infections

When a patient is experiencing pain and lack of function in the hip or knee, a replacement surgery may be his best option for returning to a normal life. Lacking use of the hip or knee can be extremely debilitating, making it difficult to carry out many activities of daily living. Fortunately, a hip or knee replacement surgery can often restore much of the function to the area, allowing the patient to participate in the activities that he once enjoyed. As with any surgical procedure, however, there are risks involved. One such risk during a hip or knee replacement surgery is the risk of a contracting a deep joint infection. These infections are very dangerous and can lead to a need for substantial medical treatment and rehabilitation. The infection can also result in costly medical expenses, while at the same time making it difficult or impossible for the victim to return to work in order to earn an income. As a result, victims may need to turn to litigation in order to obtain the compensation that they deserve for their suffering.

8 Facts About the Bair Hugger Lawsuits

During a hip or knee replacement surgery, some surgical teams used a device known as a forced-air warming system to keep a patient’s body temperature stable. One such device is the Bair Hugger forced-air warming system. Some patients have alleged that use of Bair Hugger during surgery significantly increases the chance of a patient suffering from a deep infection. Some of these patients are now pursuing lawsuits against the maker of the device. These patients allege the following:

1. Use of the Bair Hugger forced-air warming system during one patient’s hip replacement surgery caused an infection. The air used by the device was discharged under the surgical table, where it picked up various germs. This air then rose with the heat and was recirculated into the hip replacement device.
2. As a result of the infection, that patient needed 15 additional surgeries. One such surgery removed the artificial hip.
3. The patient’s injuries suffered as a result of the infection are permanently disabling.
4. The patient names 3M, Arizant Healthcare Inc., and a sales representative working for 3M and Arizant as defendants in the legal action. Arizant is owned by 3M and is the manufacturer of the system.
5. In another case, a patient alleges that he became infected with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus during a knee replacement surgery. The patient asserts that the infection was caused by the use of the Bair Hugger device.
6. As a result of the infection, the patient’s leg was amputated.
7. The patient argues that 3M knew about the risks that Bair Hugger posed to patients. However, the company did not attempt to redesign the product, nor did it warn healthcare providers of the risks.
8. In the lawsuit, the patient further alleges that 3M went to substantial lengths to conceal and discredit any of the scientific data that could point to risks associated with the use of the system.

If you or a loved one suffered an infection after a hip or knee replacement surgery, it is important to act quickly. We can help you obtain the compensation that you deserve. To learn more, we encourage you to reach out today.