NBC News recently reported on a medical device with a fatal flaw. The Recovery filter is supposed to protect at-risk patients from having blood clots travel to their heart or lungs. Unfortunately, this medical device, manufactured by C.R. Bard, has been linked with 27 deaths and approximately 300 additional non-fatal issues. Approximately 250,000 of these blood clot filters are implanted into patients across the country each year.
Fatal Blood Clot Prevention Device
The Recovery filter looks like a small, metal, spider-like apparatus. It is designed to catch blood clots before they reach the heart or lungs in patients who aren’t candidates for other blood clot medications. Unfortunately, the device has killed at least 27 people and injured 300 others, by either migrating to the heart or having pieces break off and travel to the heart. NBC News spoke with 45-year-old Dodi Froehlich who was rushed into emergency heart surgery after a piece of her Recovery filter broke off and punctured her heart. Froehlich’s filter was implanted just four months before it nearly killed her.
Did Bard Know About The Fatal Flaw?
After initial problems and complaints about the defective medical device were raised, the manufacturer hired a public relations giant to manage the situation. Their management plan included strategies to avoid ‘unfavorable press’ that could damage stock prices. Upon learning of the fatal flaw, rather than try to pull the dangerous device or warn patients about the dangers, they went on damage control to protect profits. Furthermore, a confidential study found the device to have higher rates of relative risk for death, filter fracture and movement than its competitors, and patients haven’t been able to count on the FDA either.
Defective Medical Devices in San Francisco and San Jose
Drug manufacturers who know their drugs and medical devices are defective or have dangerous flaws need to be held accountable. Many of these defective products spend months, years or decades on the market before they’re pulled or warnings are issued. Whether you’re trying to recovery from an injury sustained because of a faulty medical device or you’re grieving over the loss of a loved one, a lawyer can be your advocate during a difficult time.
If a faulty medical device has injured you or if you have lost a loved one due to a defective medical device, contact the experienced lawyers at Alexander Law Group, LLP at 888.777.1776 for a free consultation.
