Are you a victim of post-surgery infection? Did your surgeon utilize a Stöckert 3T heater-cooler device during surgery?
If you have been infected by this device, you may be able the benefit from a lawsuit again this device manufacturer. Read on to learn more about the Stöckert 3T heater-cooler device lawsuit and what you need to know about the CDC notice.
What Is the Stöckert 3T Heater-Cooler Device?
The Stöckert 3T Heater-Cooler Device is a device used by surgeons during cardiothoracic surgeries (open heart surgeries). Heater-cooler devices are used to warm or cool down an individual to improve healing during and after surgeries.
Heater-cooler devices utilize water containers with conditional water. These tanks are connected to the external heating and cooling blankets through circuits.
The water from the tanks does not come in contact with the patient. However, there is a chance that water can leak into other parts of the heating-cooling device and accumulate bacteria.
There is also a chance for bacteria to travel from the air into the vent of the device and infect a patient or the environment around a patient during surgery.
Stöckert 3T Heater-Cooler Devices – The Health Notice and Lawsuit
The lawsuit launched against the manufacturer of Stöckert 3T heater-cooler devices has some serious accusations. The device manufacturer failed to warn hospitals, surgeons, and medical professionals of the very real risk of infection caused by the device.
Claims against LivaNova PLC state that there is proof that bacteria can easily be transmitted into patients during procedures.
The main bacterial infection in question is nontuberculous mycobacteria infections, also known as NTM. Mycobacterium chimaera can get into the body during surgery and cause infection, disease, and even fatalities.
If you have undergone heart surgery and know that a Stöckert 3T heater-cooler device was used during surgery, you have a chance to benefit from the lawsuit. Symptoms associated with Stöckert 3T heater-cooler device infections include the following:
- Endocarditis
- Surgical site infection
- Abscesses or cysts
- Hepatitis
- Splenomegaly
- Pancytopenia
- Osteomyelitis
- Breathing problems
- Unwarranted weight loss
- Fever
- Malaise and myalgia
- Joint pain
These symptoms can occur immediately after surgery or show up years later. All of these symptoms are associated with nontuberculous mycobacteria infections.
If you think you might have this dangerous infection, seek out a doctor immediately. Tests need to be performed to find the exact type of bacteria that can cause such infections.
In order to be treated without much complication, you will need to be treated immediately.
Get the Help You Need from a Pennsylvania Medical Malpractice Attorney
If you’re a victim of any medical malpractice, it is wise to seek out a trusted and quality law firm to represent you.
You don’t have to go through this alone. When you need help after suffering an injury from medical malpractice, trust a personal injury attorney.
An attorney with a history of winning the toughest cases can use the law to your benefit.