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Infections caused by Sorin heater-cooler

On Behalf of | Feb 17, 2017 | Defective Products, Mass Torts, Personal Injury |

CONSUMERS – Did You Receive a Letter Warning of a Possible Infection Complication Connected to the Heater-Cooler Device Used in Your Recent Surgery?

Infections caused by Sorin 3-T devices may entitle you to compensation. Our injury attorneys handle Sorin heater-cooler cases

The Sorin 3-T machine has been used during various types of chest surgeries, such as open heart surgeries and grafts. Just one type of heart surgery, the bypass operation, is performed on roughly 500,000 patients in the United States every year. Therefore, the Sorin 3-T machine has likely been used in millions of procedures. Specifically, these devices are used to warm or cool patients to optimize their care and improve their outcomes during surgery. At Lomurro Law, our defective product attorneys hold medical device manufacturers accountable when products cause injuries.

Recently, there have been outbreaks of dangerous infections in the United States. Mycobacterium chimera and Mycobacterium abscessus are two of the bacteria that have reportedly caused infections. The use of the Sorin 3-T in surgical procedures appears to be the culprit for these infections.

The Sorin 3-T machine may be contaminated upon its shipment from the manufacturer in Germany. Contamination was discovered on the production line and in the water supply at the manufacturing facility.  In addition, problems with the machine’s exhaust may also spread the bacteria. Individuals who have had surgery in the past three years are at risk if 1) the procedure required the use of the Sorin 3-T machine or 2) the procedure took place in an operating room where the Sorin 3-T had been used. These infections may take 3 to 5 years to manifest. They are challenging to treat and are difficult to diagnose. In many cases, they are deadly.

Which patients need to be concerned about infections caused by the Sorin 3-T machine?

Individuals who may be infected due to the Sorin 3-T include:

  • A patient who underwent open chest surgery where the Sorin 3-T was used or had recently been used; a diagnosis of Mycobacteria chimera has been made; and the patient has died or is being treated
  • A patient who underwent open chest surgery where the Sorin 3-T was used or had recently been used; a diagnosis of Mycobacteria abscessus has been made; and the patient has died or is being treated
  • A patient who underwent open chest surgery where the Sorin 3-T was used or had been used; no diagnosis of infection has been made; a letter has been sent to the patient from the hospital or treatment facility warning that patient about the risk of infection

Since these bacterial infections are often difficult to diagnose, a patient should not brush off these risks simply because a formal diagnosis has not been made. If a patient has suffered any type of infection after undergoing an open chest procedure, that patient should follow up with a medical provider. Often, an initial diagnosis may be incorrect. Only after further investigation will it be discovered that the patient has been infected with Mycobacteria chimera or Mycobacteria abscessus.

Healthcare facilities have been discouraged from using these some of these devices until the manufacturer has determined how to reduce the risk of infection. The Food and Drug Administration has also issued a release on these devices and how healthcare facilities can reduce the risk of infection.

Symptoms of possible infection

Patients who have had open chest surgeries should seek medical attention if they exhibit any of the following symptoms:

  • Fatigue
  • Muscle pain
  • Joint pain
  • Abdominal pain
  • Vomiting
  • Redness, warmth, or pus around the incision
  • Fever
  • Night sweats
  • Weight loss
  • Nausea

These symptoms should be addressed as soon as possible to rule out possible infections.

If you or a loved one believes you have been injured by Sorin Heater-Coolers after surgery, contact our experienced injury attorneys today for a free consultation

If you or a loved one underwent an open chest surgery, you may be entitled to compensation, even if you have not yet been diagnosed with an infection. At Lomurro Law, our attorneys are experienced in medical device injury claims. To schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled injury attorneys, call us toll-free at Call or contact us online.