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Ohio Heater-Cooler Infection Lawyers
Holding manufacturers and medical professionals accountable for NTM infections
Doctors and hospitals use heater-cooler devices during various types of surgeries, such as heart surgeries, to keep a patient’s blood at the best temperature for optimal medical care. These medical devices have a downside – the risk that patients may develop nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections. At Crandall & Pera, we hold manufacturers liable when their defective devices cause harm. Our Ohio heater-cooler infection lawyers also hold medical professionals accountable for failing to recognize the dangers of heater-cooler devices and properly treat any NTM infections. We’ve been fighting for victims of fatal medical malpractice for 30 years. We’re ready to help you now.
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Table of Contents
- What is a heater-cooler medical device?
- Why are heater-cooler medical devices dangerous?
- What types of surgeries use heater-cooler devices in Ohio?
- Who is responsible for patient harm due to heater-cooler devices?
- What damages can patients and families receive due to heater-cooler infections in Ohio?
- Do you have an Ohio heater-cooler infections lawyer near me?
What is a heater-cooler medical device?
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), heater-cooler devices:
Include tanks that provide temperature-controlled fluid (usually water) to external heat exchangers or warming/cooling blankets through closed circuits. Although the fluid in the circuits does not come into direct contact with the patient, there is the potential for contaminated fluid to enter other parts of the device or transmit bacteria through the air (aerosolize) through the device's exhaust vent, or other unsealed openings, into the environment and to the patient.
One common type of heater-cooler is the Stockert 3T device (made by LivaNova), which is used in many heart surgeries such as bypass surgeries.
The FDA has the authority to regulate medical devices, including heater-cooler devices.
Why are heater-cooler medical devices dangerous?
NTM infections
According to the Cleveland Clinic, “NTM are naturally found in dust, soil, and water.” They can infect a person’s lungs (the most common infection point), blood, bones, lymph nodes, skin, and soft tissue. The infections can be local to one body part or spread throughout the body.
The Cleveland Clinic states that the people at risk are those who have a weakened immune system, take immunosuppressive drugs, have underlying lung conditions, or have “a central venous line, breathing tube, feeding tube or another device that goes into their body.” Heater-cooler devices use a central venous line.
Possible complications include the following:
- Lung cavities and abscesses
- Lung scarring (fibrosis)
- Skin scars
- Respiratory failure
- Death
Severe infections may require treatment for years. “The outlook for NTM infections depends on the type of NTM causing it, where the infection is, and any underlying health conditions. For instance, the five-year mortality (death) rate for NTM lung infections is between 13% and 45%.”
According to Keck Medicine of the University of Southern California, the diagnosis of NTM infections is difficult because the symptoms can take months to develop or are hard to confirm for other reasons. “Clinicians may not immediately consider an NTM diagnosis. Delayed diagnosis can result in more widespread disease in a patient.”
What types of surgeries use heater-cooler devices in Ohio?
Heater-cooler devices are commonly used for heart and lung surgeries. These surgeries include:
- Coronary artery bypass surgery.
- Replacement of a heart valve.
- Heart and lung transplants.
- Open-heart surgery.
- Lung resection.
Who is responsible for patient harm due to heater-cooler devices?
The FDA has identified the possible root causes of NBT infections due to defective heater-cooler devices. The agency also has recommendations for better designs. The FDA has sent out numerous communications and warning letters about the dangers of heater-cooler devices.
Manufacturers
At Crandall & Pera Law, we hold manufacturers accountable when their defective devices cause patients harm. The defect can be in the design, manufacture, usage instructions, and warnings of the medical device.
Our lawyers work with medical device safety experts to show why medical devices are defective. Our Ohio heater-cooler infection lawyers also review the FDA regulations and warnings about medical devices such as heater-cooler devices. We also examine the many other lawsuits that have already been filed against the manufacturers of defective heater-cooler devices.
We file product liability claims against the manufacturers using the following legal theories:
- Strict liability. The product is defective and the defect is the cause of the patient’s injuries or death. There is no need to prove negligence, provided we prove the other conditions.
- Breach of warranty. The product breaches any express or implied warranties made by the manufacturer.
- Negligence. The manufacturer fails to comply with acceptable industry standards in the design, testing, marketing, and sale of its medical devices.
Hospitals and doctors
Our personal injury and wrongful death lawyers also file medical malpractice claims against hospitals and surgeons if they fail to understand the dangers of NBT infections while using heater-cooler devices, including failing to examine if the device they use is safe. Medical providers may also be liable for failing to properly diagnose and treat NBT infections.
What damages can patients and families receive due to heater-cooler infections in Ohio?
NBT infections can cause life-changing injuries that may require long-term medical care. The infections may also impact the success/failure of the underlying heart or lung surgery. Our Ohio heater-cooler infection lawyers work with your doctors and our network of doctors, if necessary, to show how the infections are affecting every aspect of your life, the type of medical care you will need, the possible complications, and the cost of the care. We also review the possible complications with your doctors.
In addition, we review your medical care with life planners who can evaluate the related costs and financial damages you will have due to your need for regular medical visits and daily home care.
At Crandall & Pera Law, we demand compensation for all your current and future:
- Medical expenses of every type.
- Lost wages, income, benefits, and long-term disability compensation.
- Physical pain and emotional suffering.
- Loss of bodily function, such as the underlying heart or lung disorder.
- Loss of quality of life.
- Loss of consortium.
If the NBT infection is fatal, our lawyers file wrongful death claims on behalf of the family members.
Do you have an Ohio heater-cooler infections lawyer near me?
Yes. We meet patients and families at the following locations:
- Chesterland. Cambridge Square, 8251 Mayfield Rd Suite 24
- Cleveland. 850 Euclid Ave #1122
- Cincinnati (Downtown). 810 Sycamore St.
- Cincinnati (East Side). 4628 Aicholtz Rd.
- Chagrin Falls. 15 1/2 N Franklin St.
If your illness prevents you from traveling, our lawyers can meet you at your home or a healthcare facility. We also speak with clients by phone and through online video platforms like Zoom.
Get help from our Ohio heater-cooler infection lawyers now
As soon as you feel that your heart or lung surgery is making you sick or ill, please contact Crandall & Pera Law so we can review your medical condition and assert your legal rights. Our Ohio medical malpractice lawyers have 30 years of experience fighting for patients. We’ve helped many patients obtain substantial recoveries. Please call us or use our contact form to schedule a free consultation.