Four heart pump patients have died, and five others were seriously injured, as a result of problems that occurred when changing from the primary system controller to the backup. The HeartMate II LVAS Pocket System Controller, manufactured by Thoratec Corp., has been prescribed to over 2100 heart patients since August 2012.
Because of the deaths, Thoratec has issued a safety advisory. The advisory contains new information and labeling for the heart pump. However, the company states they found no flaws with the product, so did not request the return of the heart pump.
Patients are asked to contact their doctor immediately to be retrained on using the device, as well as to receive updated information on its use. The model that has caused problems is a replacement for an older model, and Thoratec says patients may not have received the training needed to operate the new machine, or understand the differences between the new one and the old one.
Product Liability Attorney
Although companies like to pass the buck and blame patients and their doctors for the failings of their products, it’s important for you to remember that any changes made should be very clear to consumers. Although there’s no defect with the actual product, according to Thoratec, a failure in marketing the changes to this, or any product made by any manufacturer, should be seen as a failure by the company – not the consumer or their doctor. This can lead to product liability claims claims by the victims or their families. To do this, you need an experienced product liability attorney, like those at the Hornbuckle Firm.
Product liability claims are complex and require a lawyer who understands the laws surrounding these claims. The experienced product liability attorneys at the Hornbuckle Firm will fight for your right to seek compensation and justice while you focus on healing.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury cause by a defective product, please contact the Hornbuckle Firm. Our experienced product liability attorneys serve clients in the Seattle, Tacoma, and Bellevue, Washington area.
Blog By:
Bellevue, Washington 98007
Phone: (425) 679-0742
