National Defective Medical Device Lawyers Providing Legal Help for Injured Victims Across the U.S.

Like most medical devices, the Bair Hugger probably seemed like a great idea at first. And like most advancements in medical science, doctors and patients were quick to put their trust in the device, believing that it could make life easier or the suffering of the patient somewhat lesser. But like a lot of brave new ideas, the Bair Hugger warming blanket came with some unforeseen consequences.

The Bair Hugger is a single-use medical device used in hip and knee replacement surgeries, as well as some open-chest procedures, to keep the patient warm. It forces heated air from a device through a hose, into the blanket, warming the patient. But this air is sometimes full of bacteria. The device is accused of introducing harmful bacteria to the operating table, putting the already vulnerable patient at risk of infection. Some of these infections have led to amputations; some have even resulted in death. 3M, the patent holders of the Bair Hugger, staunchly defend their product in courts. If you’ve been made a victim of the Bair Hugger’s flawed design, please consult with a defective medical device or personal injury lawyer immediately. Call Greg Jones Law today at (855)566-3752 to schedule a free consultation.

What is the Bair Hugger Warming Blanket?

The Bair Hugger warming system was invented by Dr. Scott Augustine, an anesthesiologist, and pioneer in medical device tech. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1988, Bair Hugger warming blankets use a forced-air system that pulls air from a warming unit and pushes it through a hose and then out through tiny holes in the blanket. The invention only had good intentions and was meant to protect the patient from hypothermia as well as potentially help reduce bleeding and stimulate faster healing while in surgery. But we now believe that the Bair Hugger carries harmful bacteria through its forced-air warming system, which can lead to infections and dangerous complications.

Even the inventor of the machine, Dr. Augustine, has said that the device is flawed and should no longer be used in a surgical procedure. Dr. Augustine has urged that hospitals stop using the Bair Hugger warming blanket. 3M, the current patent holders for the Bair Hugger, seem willing to vehemently deny any accusations made against the device and claims that Dr. Augustine’s allegations are baseless and false.

What Are the Medical Risks of the Bair Hugger?

It is alleged that the makers of the Bair Hugger, 3M and Arizant Healthcare, knew of the problems with their device and did their best to cover it up. Dr. Augustine, the inventor of the Bair Hugger blanket, says as much himself. The FDA and CDC have investigated the Bair Hugger. In 2015, the FDA confirmed a possible link between infections and all Bair Hugger-like heating blankets used for surgery and raised serious questions about the device’s design. In 2016, the CDC said that the Bair Hugger could transmit Mycobacterium chimera during surgery despite the intended ultraclean ventilation system.

The Bair Hugger has been linked to infections in patients after surgery, including staph infections, cardiac infections, and deep-joint infections. Some of these infections led to later surgeries or amputations of the limbs where the infections took root. Some infections led to the death of the patient. A recent study estimated that some 32% of the forced-air warming system blowers appeared to exhibit defective filtration patterns, which could allow for the growth of bacteria.

What Can a Lawyer Achieve?

Despite the insistent denials of 3M and Arizant Healthcare, nearly a thousand lawsuits have been filed by patients who claim that the Bear Hugger gave them an infection or made them ill. It is the duty of the makers of a medical device to provide adequate warning of the risks of using their product so that the patient has informed consent to its use. Failing to provide such a warning of the risks could make the company liable for damages caused by the dangerous product.

Medical device companies have teams of lawyers defending their interests and will make every claim against them hard-fought. If you or a loved one have been made sick because of a defective device like the Bair Hugger warming blanket, you should contact a lawyer to discuss the legal options of your case. It could be possible to recover compensation to help pay for medical bills and pain and suffering caused.

Which Attorney Can Represent My Bair Hugger Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one has fallen ill as the result of the use of a medical device, you should know your rights as a victim. The Bair Hugger warming blanket is known to be linked to dangerous infections in some cases, something that the device’s maker continues to deny. With more lawsuits all the time, media coverage, and increased public awareness, it may be possible to get 3M and Arizant to change their tune. But that requires patients like yourself to step forward and bring their claims to a legal professional.

Greg Jones Law has represented clients nationwide who’ve been made victims of defective medical devices. Our lawyers are well versed in the workings of insurance law and could help you recover compensation by holding the right people accountable. Call Greg Jones Law today at (855)566-3752 to schedule a free consultation.