Bair Hugger Warming Blanket May Increase Infection

After a joint replacement surgery, the last thing you want to happen is to develop a deep joint infection, sepsis or Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Unfortunately, for many patients recovering from surgery where a Bair Hugger forced air warming blanket was used, this has become reality.

The product, manufactured by 3M, may lead to serious infections that cause pain and discomfort and can require countless corrective surgeries. The defective product lawyers at Phillips Law Group are currently investigating claims on behalf of patients who have suffered because of a Bair Hugger warming blanket.

To see if you may have a case, call 1-800-706-3000 for a free consultation.

Bair Hugger: What is it?

3Ms Bair Hugger warming blanket is used in almost 80 percent of hospitals in the U.S. to keep a patients body temperature stabilized while they are under anesthesia during a surgical procedure. Heated air is piped through the device and into a blanket which is placed over the patient during surgery. It helps to prevent body temperature from dropping during surgery, which could lead to hypothermia.

The issue with the Bair Hugger warming blanket is that it can cause contaminants in the operating room to become airborne. As the contaminants move through the Bair Hugger system, they can be deposited into the wound and surrounding areas, leading to an increased risk of infection.

Increased Risk of Joint Infection after Bair Hugger Use

The use of the Bair Hugger during surgery has been linked to a higher risk of infection, MRSA and sepsis following common joint replacement surgeries like a hip or knee replacement. These types of infections can pose extensive complications, creating the need for additional surgical procedures to replace the device, clean out the tissue surrounding the joint, and to administer intravenous antibiotics to fight the infection.

If you recently had a joint replaced, watch for these signs which could mean a serious joint infection is developing:

• Joint pain and stiffness
• Swelling
• Wound appears red and is warm
• Wound drainage
• Fever, chills, and sweats
• Fatigue

The Bair Hugger warming blanker is also used in a number of other types of surgeries beyond joint replacements. When used during a heart surgery, it can lead to especially dangerous infections.

Warnings from Bair Huggers Inventor

Dr. Scott Augustine invented the Bair Hugger forced air warming blanket and has recently spoken out to surgeons and doctors about the possible risks of using his device.

Upon reviewing the findings of medical studies, Dr. Augustine concluded that use of the Bair Hugger may in fact contaminate the surgical area.

Studies have shown that the forced air system used by the Bair Hugger can pick up contaminants on surfaces of the operating room, causing them to become airborne, and then recirculate them over the surgical area.

Bair Hugger Lawsuits Against 3M

Multiple patients who have experienced devastating effects from the use of a Bair Hugger warming blanket have filed lawsuits against 3M. One patient developed a deep joint infection following a joint replacement surgery, causing him to need 15 more surgeries to repair the damage. Another patient developed a dangerous MRSA infection, which led to a partial leg amputation.

Both lawsuits have also suggested that the company knew about the risks posed by the warming blanket but failed to notify healthcare professionals and may have even tried to cover it up.

If you have developed a post-operative infection due to the use of the Bair Hugger warming blanket, a lawsuit will allow you to pursue damages for medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. A personal injury lawyer will guide you through the legal process and help you hold the manufacturer accountable for this defective product.

Contact an Injury Lawyer Today To Discuss Your Bair Hugger Lawsuit

If you developed an infection after a joint replacement surgery, a Bair Hugger warming blanket may have been the cause. Contact the defective product trusted Phoenix injury attorneys at Phillips Law Group today to see if you have a case.

During a free case evaluation, we will review the details of your claim, and let you know if you have grounds for pursuing compensation for your injury. With offices conveniently located in Arizona, California, and Utah, we are dedicated to helping our clients pursue claims against manufacturers of defective medical equipment.

Complete a free case evaluation, call 1-800-706-3000 .