What Is The Bair Hugger Device?
The Bair Hugger device is a forced-air warming device that is manufactured by the 3M company. The device consists of both a warming unit and disposable blanket.
When used, the blanket is draped over the individual to “hug” the remainder of the individual’s body that is not undergoing a surgical operation. Heated air is generated and forced through a flexible hose into the blanket in order to keep the patient warm during the procedure. Unfortunately, as hot air is funneled into the blanket, it is forced over the patient’s body then circulates down to the surgical floor where the warm air can cause germs and bacteria to be disrupted and recirculated from the floor into the sterile surgical field. Once in the surgical site, these germs and bacteria can attach to the area that is being operated on (such as the patient’s knee or hip implant), resulting in a serious deep joint infection. Joint infections are often difficult to treat and typically require the need for additional surgeries.
Bair Hugger Lawsuit Information
In recent years, many patients who have developed severe infections have filed lawsuits against the manufacturer of the device. These lawsuits allege that the manufacturer was aware of the potential risk of infection when the Bair Hugger was used, but failed to properly inform the public.
A specific study conducted by the Bone & Joint journal revealed that an increased risk of infection could occur in patients using FAW during hip and knee replacement surgeries. Often times, these sustained infections acquired lead to additional surgery, medical care, and rehabilitation.
A federal lawsuit was recently filed in Kansas against 3M after a patient developed MRSA following a knee replacement surgery. MRSA is a staph infection that is resistant to antibiotics that is very difficult to treat. Unfortunately due to the severity of the infection, the patient’s leg was amputated.
<div>
It is also important to note that in 2010 Dr. Scott D. Augustine, the inventor of Bair Hugger, spoke out against the device. He warned hospitals that Bair Hugger posed a risk of infection for patients undergoing joint replacement surgery.
Should I file a Lawsuit?
If your case meets the necessary criteria for filing a forced-air warming device lawsuit, you may be entitled to compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and disability among other additional damages.
If yourself or someone you know has suffered from a deep joint infection and has undergone one or more of the following treatments or conditions:
• Irrigation and Debridement Surgeries to Treat Infection
• Placement of Antibiotic Spacers/Pearls in the Hip or Knee to Treat Infection
• Implant Revision Surgeries due to Infection
• Sepsis
• Additional Surgeries to Treat Infection
• Long-Term Antibiotic Treatment
• Amputation of Infected Limb
We urge you to contact the Kagan Legal Group immediately. Consultations are free and our attorneys are standing by to help patients determine whether or not their serious deep joint infection is related to the use of a forced-air warming device.