Stöckert 3T Heater-Cooler Infection Class Action Lawsuit
The Stöckert 3T heater cooler system is designed to control a patient’s blood temperature during cardiac surgery, including heart bypass and valve replacement procedures. The device, used in around 150,000 bypass surgeries in the United States each year, is now facing increased scrutiny after federal regulators determined it may become contaminated. This can result in severe or fatal infection in certain types of patients.
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections, the type linked to the 3T heater-cooler, may lie dormant for between two weeks and four years before presenting symptoms, leaving many patients facing medical monitoring costs and other expenses—even if they aren’t yet affected. In some cases, NTM infections can appear as pulmonary disease, but they may also affect skin, soft tissues, and the lymphatic system.
If you or someone you love suffered an NTM infection or bacterial contamination after open heart surgery, valve replacement, or any other type of cardiac surgery—even years later—Ferrer Poirot Feller Daniel wants to help. Our defective medical device lawyers have decades of experience helping injury victims, and we’re here to protect your rights to the compensation you deserve. Contact us 24/7 to get a free case review—just call (888) 485-8844 or complete our free online form.
Regulators Warn of 3T Heater-Cooler Infection Risk
In October 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), issued a safety communication after it received more than 30 reports of infection connected with the 3T heater-cooler system between 2010 and 2015.
In 2016, it was determined that the infections were linked to water contamination within the tanks of the device. The water can spread to other parts of the heater-cooler and be released into the air, placing cardiac surgery patients at serious risk.
NTM Infection Risk May Be Higher for Some Cardiac Patients
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 60% of the 250,000 heart bypass procedures performed in the United States each year utilize affected 3T heater-cooler systems. At hospitals where at least one 3T-related infection was reported, patients face a risk of infection between 1 in 100 and 1 in 1,000 patients.
As a result of reports like these, the FDA has suggested hospitals with reported infections or bacteria contamination stop using 3T devices.
Get Help With Your Stöckert 3T Heater-Cooler Infection Lawsuit
Legal help is available if you or a loved one suffered an NTM infection or bacterial contamination after heart surgery. At Ferrer Poirot Feller Daniel, our lawyers fight for patients harmed by defective medical devices, and we want to fight for you too. Our legal staff is available around the clock to help you get started with a free case review—just call (888) 485-8844 or fill out our free online form
This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with the Centers for Disease Control; Livanova PLC; Sorin Group; Stöckert; or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Cases may be referred to another attorney or law firm.