Bair Hugger Can Increase Infection Risks

The FDA first approved the Bair Hugger warming system in 1987 by way of a premarket clearance program, 510(k), which allows a device to hit the market without clinical proof that it is safe as long as it is similar enough to a device already on the market. Originally developed by Dr. Scott D. Augustine and sold by his company Augustine Biomedical and Design, which later changed its name to Arizant and was later purchased by 3M, Bair Hugger Therapy has been used on more than 180 million patients and is employed by and estimated 80 percent of hospitals in the US.

Bair Hugger Therapy uses forced air warming to prevent and or treat hypothermia in patients during surgery. Hypothermia occurs when the body is losing heat faster than it can produce it; almost all surgical patients become hypothermic during surgery which can lead to blood loss and infections. The Bair Hugger units filter the air, and then force warm air through disposable blankets that are covering the patients. In addition to warming the body through the use of warm air, they are designed to help prevent heat loss from evaporation by wicking moisture from the body. In order to reduce patient to patient infection risk the blankets are disposable.

There are several signs that may indicate a possible infected joint replacement:

• Swelling
• Wound drainage
• Fever or chills
• Warmth or redness around the surgical wound
• Increased pain or stiffness in the joint
• Fatigue

Bair Hugger temperature management systems have been linked to an increased risk of hospital-acquired infections after surgery. We are currently investigation potential cases for those who have had surgery such as a joint replacement or heart valve replacement and suffered from a severe post-operative infection. If you or a loved one::

• Have had surgery such as a knee replacement, hip replacement or artificial heart valve replacement
• Suffered from an infection such as a deep joint infection, MRSA or other hospital-acquired infection
• Requiring additional treatment beyond the normal recovery

We would like to speak with you. Our representatives are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to hear about your story. Call us now, and find out if you qualify for a potential claim. Call today, do not wait until it is too late.