There is no denying that medical devices often sustain and improve the quality of millions of American lives. With all of the new cutting edge technology and advances in medicine, it is no wonder that we have a better understanding of how the human body works and are living longer than ever before because of it. Every year there are countless patients who will suffer injuries and illnesses and depend on these advance medical procedures and devices to make life easier.

At over $100 billion dollars a year, this industry pushes thousands of products and devices into the market at an alarming rate. In order to give suffering patients speedy access to devices that may be lifesaving, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains a fast approval process for the medical supply and device industry. Unlike drugs, a large amount of medical devices go through the approval process without even having to go through any clinical testing. To make matters worse, there is little oversight once the product does hit the market.

The complex nature of these medical devices are often reflected when they fail to perform their function. Defective products in the medical field often include surgical tools, contraceptive devices (IUDs), auxiliary devices (catheters and tubing), cardiology (pacemakers, artificial heart valves and vascular stints), cosmetic (breast, chin, penile) and orthopedic devices (joint screws, rods and plates).

There are several types of medical devices and implants that have malfunctioned. As new products are rushed into the market, the number of repeat surgeries and medical complications will only continue to grow. Here is a list of a few specific types of medical devices that have malfunctioned:

• Medtronic Infuse Bone Graft: linked to life threatening complications
• Johnson and Johnson Cypher Stent: linked to an increased risk of deadly blood clots
• Knee Implants: device failures that result in repeat surgeries
• Medtronic Defibrillators: fractured wires that caused multiple deaths
• Guidant Multi-Link Vision Stent*: failed to stay in place
• St Jude Defibrillators: problems with the insulation on the leads
• Guidant Pacemakers*: faulty low-voltage capacitors
• St Jude Aortic Connector: associated with a high occurrence of heart attacks and respiratory failure
• NuvaRing: possible increased risk of blood clots
• Sprint Fidelis Lead: recalled due to an increased fracture risk
• Composix Kugel Mesh X-Large Patch: defective recoil rings in the mesh
• Guidant Implantable Pacemakers*: failure modes
• Duragesic Pain Patch: linked to a risk of fentanyl overdose
• Shoulder Pain Pumps: linked to severe cartilage damage
• Guidant Defibrillators*: linked to faulty capacitor
• Zimmer Durom Cup Hip Socket Implant: adverse reactions
• Transvaginal Mesh: device erosion, infection, organ perforation and intense pain
• Boston Scientific Taxus Stent: links to blood clot risks
• Avaulta Vaginal Mesh Complications: infection, pain, perforation (bowel, bladder and blood vessel), vaginal scarring, mesh erosion and urinary problems

*Guidant is now owned by Boston Scientific

If you, a family member or friend have suffered injury due to a defective medical implant, contact the attorneys at Madalon Law for a free consultation. Our legal team will gladly address your concerns and explain your options.