Medical devices can significantly improve patients’ quality of life. They’re used for a variety of purposes, whether it’s replacing damaged or failing joints, monitoring and controlling heart rhythm, and administering steady doses of drugs and insulin. But like all manufactured products, medical devices are always at risk of failure—and sometimes, that failure is due to design flaws or manufacturing defects.
In 2020 alone, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported more than 30 medical devices were recalled. Some of the recalled devices include:
- Insulin pumps—Many pumps were recalled due to their propensity to administer incorrect dosages of insulin.
- Catheters—Some catheters were recalled due to quality control issues, which can lead to breakage or tip separation.
- Ventilators—Two types of ventilators were recalled due to sound alarm failure, which means healthcare workers may be unaware when patients are in distress.
These are just a few examples of recalled devices in 2020. Dozens of devices were also recalled in recent years, including 2019, 2018, and 2017, all of which can be viewed on the FDA’s website. Unlike medications, which patients can simply stop taking or switch to an alternative when they’re recalled, medical devices may be surgically implanted in patients’ bodies, or alternatives may not be available.
If you find out that your medical device is recalled, or if your health has worsened since using your medical device/having it implanted, it’s important to contact your doctor right away. You may need a replacement device or even revision surgery to correct the problem.
In addition, you should contact an experienced defective medical device lawyer at Ferrer Poirot Feller Daniel. It’s our goal to help you get compensation if you were injured by a negligent device manufacturer.