Millions of Becton, Dickinson and Company catheter systems are involved in a recall because of a defect in the product that may result in injury or death to a user. The direct flaw of the catheter system involves the risk of an air embolism and leakage of blood or therapeutic fluids. These risks pose an additional risk of serious injury or death.
Becton Dickson received reports that air was entering through the septum disk. Catheter system failures were reported on units that were distributed from November 2009 to November 2009.
Catheters are used in hospitals to treat a variety of medical conditions, including, but not limited to:
Urine Drainage: People may require a catheter to drain urine from the bladder. A catheter may be used for this purpose for kidney patients, following surgery or for bedridden patients that cannot get up to go to the bathroom.
Fluid Drainage: People that have medical conditions in whereby fluids gather in the body may require a catheter to remove fluids in the body.
Anesthesia Administration: People that are having surgery often receive a catheter which provides a means to deliver anesthesia.
Medication Administration: People that require subcutaneous delivery of insulin or other medications may do so with catheters.
Heart Pressures Measurement: People may have a catheter to evaluate heart pressures.
Premature Infant Support: Premature infants may require catheters for access to central circulation.
If you or a loved on has been seriously injured because of a medical device, contact Burton Padove for a free consultation at 219-836-2200.