In 1988, a new product was introduced for both patients who undergo surgery, as well as victims of hypothermia. That product was the 3M Bair Hugger warming blanket.

When a patient is placed under anesthesia, his or her body temperature drops and it can interfere with both bleeding and recovery time. The warming blanket helps maintain a patient’s body temperature to avoid those complications. However, the blanket is also responsible for thousands of patients developing life-risking infections.

The Bair Hugger works similar to a forced-air furnace by carrying warm air through a hose which is connected to a blanket that is placed over a patient. However, the inventor of the blanket has spent the past several years notifying hospitals and other organizations that this product is dangerous.

According to the product’s inventor, Dr. Augustine, the danger from using the blanket occurs when the air that is being circulated through the blanket becomes recirculated. This recirculated air is then directed back and circulates throughout the operating room—including under the surgical table. Bacteria is found in this recirculated air and it often ends up inside patients’ surgical incisions—which can cause dangerous infections such as sepsis and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). These infections have proven to be difficult to treat.

When Dr. Augustine realized the danger of the Bair Hugger blanket, he invented another device, which also warms a patient, but does so without contaminating the operational theater. Critics of  Augustine argue that he is only claiming the product is dangerous because he no longer has a financial stake in the product—but he could make a substantial profit with his new invention in the event of a Bair Hugger recall and replacement product need.

However, there has been a significant increase in the number of lawsuits filed on behalf of patients who developed post-surgical infections and complications which were caused by the Bair Hugger. At particular risk are patients who have undergone hip and knee replacements

If you suffered complications or infections after undergoing surgery, contact an experienced Westport medical malpractice attorney to find out what legal recourse you may have for your pain and loss.

Sources:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/25/business/25invent.html?_r=0

http://ringoffireradio.com/2015/07/use-of-bair-hugger-warming-blanket-during-hip-and-knee-replacement-surgery-could-unnecessarily-increase-risk-of-severe-infection

When doctors do not follow medical protocol and address patients’ needs and concerns with the utmost care and attention, grievous errors ranging from misdiagnosis to death can occur.

Many people are surprised to learn how frequently medical malpractice occurs because of a physician’s failure to accurately review the results of a patient’s tests, reports and x-rays. In some of the most egregious cases of medical malpractice, a physician did not fail to adequately read or interpret a patient’s lab test, report or x-ray. Instead, he or she simply failed to review the information at all, in its entirety.

Patient Death from Failure to Review Test Results

In one patient’s case, a doctor’s failure to review the results of an electrocardiogram cost the patient his life. The patient, a 45-year-old male, entered a medical center with stroke-like symptoms. While in the ER, one doctor administered an electrocardiogram and sent the results to the patient’s family doctor who was on call at the hospital at the time.

Although the patient’s doctor was notified, she did not check in on the patient until the following day and, according to the patient’s attorney, she did not ever review the results of the electrocardiogram.

One week after the patient’s initial complaint, he suffered a heart attack and died. The patient’s family sued the family doctor for medical malpractice and negligence, claiming that the doctor’s misdiagnosis of his condition caused his death. The jury agreed and awarded the patient’s next of kin over $6 million in compensation for wrongful death.

Medical Malpractice Cases can be Complicated

Medical malpractice cases are complicated in the legal arena. Doctors, nurses, and hospitals are protected by numerous waivers, rules, and regulations, therefore making it difficult to sue. However, when a medical error does occur, a victim or a victim’s family should immediately consult with a skilled medical malpractice legal firm to discuss what litigation option may be available. Additionally, if negligence occurs, and a victim or family believes they can prove that the negligence caused suffering or death, they may have a strong case and may be awarded significant compensation for their losses. Consulting an attorney is essential.

Speak with a Westport, CT Attorney Today

If you have experienced a misdiagnosis that resulted in pain and suffering, or if you have lost a loved one due to doctor or hospital error, please contact a Westport medical malpractice attorney. We offer both advice and representation, will handle your case individualized attention and diligence, and will fight hard to get you and your family the compensation you deserve. Richard H. Raphael, Attorney at Law, is experienced in representing clients throughout Connecticut. 

The rise in technology has brought with it a rise in online services and solutions. One of the more recent rising trends is telemedicine. Most major television channels have some sort of  doctor program where celebrity doctors offer advice and services —”Dr. Phil,” “Dr. Oz,” and “The Doctors” are just a few examples. Due to the popularity of these medical shows, other providers and companies have been experimenting in the field of telemedicine and potentially exposing themselves to medical malpractice liability.

Insurance companies are some of the more recent telemedicine bandwagoners. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, a Connecticut insurance company, offers an online forum called LiveHealth Online to connect patients and doctors. All the doctors who advise on the site are licensed to practice in the state; however many do not actually live and work in Connecticut. There is no guarantee that a user will talk to his or her own primary care provider or that he or she will even connect with the same doctor over multiple visits to the website.

Those who support online medical website and other telemedicine services say that it is similar to visiting a pharmacy versus a primary care provider; the goal is a quick consult for a minor medical problem. Many disagree with the comparison. At a pharmacy, a licensed pharmacist has an opportunity to physically examine any potential patients/customers, whereas the physical interaction is impossible in telemedicine. Opponents of the practice are concerned about the level of care that can be provided to a patient as well as continuity of care if a medical problem persists.

Because the risks of telemedicine include misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, and miscommunication, Connecticut state legislators are considering a bill that would limit the services provided through telemedicine. Senate Bill 467, if passed, would require that online doctors access medical records for each patient before making a diagnosis, as well as belong to a reputable medical practice that is held to the same accountability standards as traditional practices. Additionally, the bill would require that patients be made aware of the services and limitations of online medical treatment.

Telemedicine is a newer field and is thus not subject to the same medical malpractice rules and restrictions that limit other doctors and medical facilities. However, due to the absence of physical interaction, the risks for medical error can be even higher in telemedicine cases.

If you received treatment from a doctor, either online or in person, and believe a medical error or misdiagnosis occurred, please consult with a Westport medical malpractice attorney to discuss your case and options as soon as possible. We are proud to represent clients throughout Connecticut and we look forward to speaking with you.