Lawsuits are heating up over a warming blanket, used in 80 percent of U.S. hospitals during surgeries, that can expose patients to contaminated air from the operating room and put them at risk of infection.
The Bair Hugger, manufactured and owned by 3M, has been used on more than 165 million patients to maintain their normal body temperatures during surgery. The lawsuits allege the system allows air to accumulate and escape below the surgical table and can cause contaminants to become airborne.
The system can also create a current that deposits bacteria to the operating floor back into the blanket and the surgical site, which can result in serious post-surgical infections, including MRSA, sepsis and deep joint infections.
The lawsuits allege 3M was aware of the risks but did not warn doctors or patients and failed to redesign the product. Other complications linked to the 3M Bair Hugger include repeat hospital stays, additional surgeries, antibiotic treatment therapy and even amputation of limbs.
A number of lawsuits have been filed and more are anticipated in the coming weeks and months. People who have experienced post-surgery infections may have a potential claim.
Contact Langdon & Emison
Langdon & Emison is reviewing potential Bair Hugger claims and is accepting new cases. If you or someone you know has experienced complications associated with a post-surgery infection, contact our firm at 866-931-2115 or click on the box to the right. We will review your potential claim at no cost or obligation to you.