According to a study in the June 30, 2009 Journal of the American Medical Association, patients who received a bioengineered bone growth protein like Infuse Bone Graft during spinal fusion procedures had 50 percent more complications than patients who did not receive it.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, reviewed hospital records from 2002 to 2006 and found that complication rates while patients were still in the hospital were 50 percent higher for cervical fusions procedures than lower or middle back procedures. The neurosurgeon who led the study, also believes the complication rates for the cervical fusion procedures are actually much higher than reported because complications often occur after a patient has left the hospital.
As a result of the new report, some experts, including Dr. Thomas A. Einhorn, chairman of orthopedic surgery at Boston University, are convinced the bone growth proteins should be "discontinued either permanently or until further information becomes available regarding how to use it safely" in anterior cervical procedures.
Legal Rights of Injured Infuse Patients
The law in most states provides individuals with legal claims and the right to compensation for injuries they suffer as a result of the negligence of another and the promotion and sale of medical product that causes severe injuries in a use not approved by the FDA.
In personal injury lawsuits against Medtronic for manufacturing an allegedly defective medical device, plaintiffs have typically sought damages for:
- Physical pain and suffering, mental anguish and physical impairment;
- Medical expenses associated with efforts to remedy the injuries as a result of the original surgery; and
- Loss of earnings and/or earning capacity.
In the case of a patient's death, the family of the victim may file a wrongful death action and seek damages.
Contact Medtronic Infuse Personal Injury Attorney | Lawyer
If you or a loved one have been injured by the Medtronic Infuse Bone Graft, please click here to contact an experienced personal injury attorney at the national law firm of Lieff Cabraser. Or you may call us toll-free at 1-800-948-2181 and ask to speak to attorney Heather A. Foster.
We are currently representing families whose loved ones died after use of Infuse.
About Lieff Cabraser
Founded in 1972, Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP is a sixty-plus attorney law firm with offices in San Francisco, New York and Nashville. For the last seven years, the National Law Journal has recognized Lieff Cabraser as one of the top plaintiffs' law firms in America.
For our personal injury cases, we bring a team of experienced lawyers. Each client is assigned an individual lawyer. In addition, we have on staff multiple nurses, legal assistants, scientific analysts and case clerks to assist the attorneys. Learn more about our firm.
Copyright © 2010 Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP.