Advancements in medical technology have allowed the introduction of highly sophisticated medical devices that aid surgical procedures, support the functioning of major organs, and generally improve the quality of life patients can expect after they have been treated or implanted with one of these products or devices. However, in recent years, there has been a spate of injuries linking illnesses, infections and even deaths to the use of these defective medical devices and products. Even with the stringent approval processes initiated by the Food and Drug Administration, reports of defective devices and products continue to surface.  Over the past decade, serious injuries and even fatalities have resulted in an increase in pharmaceutical liability litigation against some of the country's most reputed medical device and product companies.

Drug Coated Stents

Some medicated stents contribute to the formation of blood clots in the artery, resulting in arterial re-clogging. Drug coated stents or eluting stents are promoted as a way to solve arterial re-clogging. More than 2,000 deaths have been linked to stent related blood clogging.

Gadolinium MRI Contrast Agent

Gadolinium containing contrast agents are injected into blood vessels during an MRI to allow the radiologist to clearly see abnormal tissue.  While the use of these contrast agents for scanning purposes has made them very popular, they have also been linked to the development of diseases like Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis [NSF]. This disease causes skin changes as well as scaring of internal organs, like the lungs and kidneys. This disease is more common in patients who suffer from kidney failure and other renal dysfunctions.

Guidant ICDs

Guidant Corporation's Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators or ICDs are used in the treatment of patients who suffer from an accelerated heart beat.  These devices function by emitting a shock to the heart whenever there is an abnormality in the cardiac rhythm. Guidant's Defibrillators were found to have resulted in increased heart attacks in patients due to failure to emit a life saving shock to the heart. Thousands of these ICDs have since been recalled.

Kugel Mesh Patch

The Kugel Mesh Patch is used in the treatment of hernias, which can occur after scar tissue has formed post-surgery. Injuries linked to the mesh patch have been attributed to manufacturing defects that cause the ring to break off after insertion. This breakage leads to complications, including abdominal perforations and abdominal fistulae.

Medtronic Defibrillators

Medtronic Incorporated has faced several problems with its cardiac devices, including its pacemakers and defibrillators. Defects in battery design cause the battery to short, which can lead to depletion of the battery's energy. Therefore, the battery is not able to monitor the rhythm of the heart and administer a life saving shock when necessary.

Medtronic Leads

Medtronic Sprint Fidelis leads that connect defibrillator devices to the heart were found to be prone to fractures and breakage. Fractured leads are unable to emit shocks to the heart when an abnormal cardiac rhythm is detected. Such breakages also result in a massive shock being sent to the heart, causing serious heart injuries in patients.

Defects in medical devices and products can occur as a result of faulty design, in the absence of stringent testing and quality control standards or due to manufacturing errors.  Very often, the defects in these devices and products don’t surface until injuries or deaths have resulted from their use.