In sworn testimony obtained in ongoing litigation, 3M executives have disclosed that the company was aware of safety concerns and infection risks associated with the Bair Hugger for more than three decades but failed to warn users about those risks. The following videos include deposition testimony of 3M Director of Scientific Affairs Albert Van Buren, 3M Global Business Director Jay Issa, and 3M Medical Director Michelle Hulse Stevens.
Use of the Bair Hugger is “largely ineffective” for surgeries that last less than one hour; products that have no benefit in surgeries present an “unnecessary risk.”
Infection risks associated with the Bair Hugger were known as early as 1987.
3M warned that the Model 200 could cause thermal injury and contamination when used in the OR.
The company removed warning from the Model 500 OR based on risk assessment that did not include internal or external studies.
The company was aware during design that the Bair Hugger could create “thermal plumes” carrying bacteria.
During design process, the company was aware that the Bair Hugger could cause air circulation in the OR, potentially spreading dangerous bacteria.
Study shows a 380% increase risk of infection with Bair Hugger.
Operating Rooms are designed to reduce bacteria over the surgical site.
Bair Hugger is not useful on obese patients.
3M discontinued warning labels about airborne contamination caused by the Bair Hugger.
3M removal of warning was not based on any studies.
3M never studied the thermal plume caused by the Bair Hugger.
3M did not study safety of Bair Hugger because of legal concerns made at a high level.
3M did not have qualified personnel to study whether the Bair Hugger caused infections.
See If You Have a Case
Infections that occur during surgery can cause serious medical complications, including septic arthritis. In some cases, a patient may need surgery to remove the implant and the infection. In rare cases, the infection can result in amputation.
If you have experienced medical complications after a surgical procedure in which a Bair Hugger blanket was used, you may be entitled to compensation.
See If You're Eligible for Compensation
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