Medical devices can play a major role in helping keep patients healthy and improving their quality of life. However, when these devices are defective, they can cause harm and result in various types of patient injuries.
When this happens, it can lead to patient suffering and hefty financial burdens for the individuals affected and their loved ones. Some common types of patient injuries caused by defective medical devices include the following.
Organ damage
Organ damage can occur when implanted devices malfunction or break down within the body, leading to internal injuries to organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys or liver. For example, a faulty pacemaker may fail to regulate the heart’s rhythm properly leading to cardiac complications. Similarly, a defective prosthetic joint could cause damage to surrounding tissues or bones.
Site infections
Defective medical devices in contact with bodily tissues or fluids can increase the risk of site infections. For instance, surgical implants like joint replacements or hernia meshes may harbor bacteria due to design flaws or material issues leading to infections at the implant site. These infections can cause pain, swelling, and inflammation and in severe cases, they may require surgical intervention to remove the infected device and administer antibiotics.
Internal injuries
A defective medical device can also cause internal injuries beyond organ damage. For example, surgical instruments such as laparoscopic tools or endoscopes may malfunction during procedures leading to electrosurgical injury, lacerations or punctures in nearby tissues or organs. Similarly, poorly designed catheters or stents can cause abrasions or perforations in blood vessels or the urinary tract.
Adverse reactions
Sometimes, a defective medical device can trigger adverse reactions in patients. For example, patients may experience allergic dermatitis or skin irritation from materials used in implants or medical device components. In more severe cases, certain medical devices such as metal implants or drug-eluting devices, may cause systemic reactions such as inflammation, autoimmune responses or toxic effects due to the release of harmful substances into the body.
If you have suffered injury from a defective medical device due, you may be able to seek compensation through legal action against the responsible parties. Seeking legal guidance is a good way to learn more about your rights and options under the law.
