Defective Medtronic Infuse Bone Graft

Medtronic Bone Grafts Recalled

Many patients received the Medtronic Infuse Bone Graft to treat degenerative disc disease, fractures, sinus augmentation, and localized alveolar ridge augmentation. The graft is implanted to stimulate bone growth in the affected area and replace damages. Recently however, the off-label use of these bone grafts has been used in neck surgeries that resulted in life-threatening side effects. These side effects have included complications in breathing caused by swelling of the airways as well as difficulty speaking and swallowing. It is alleged that Medtronic illegally promoted its product for uses it was not originally intended for. While the FDA did approve of the Medtronic Infuse Bone Graft, they limited its use to the spine and lower back, and in some less common cases, use in dental procedures.

It is one thing if doctors started using Medtronic on their own for improper uses, but an entirely more concerning fact that Medtronic itself started to encourage physicians to use the product for a capacity it was not intended for, likely because sales of this medical device added $3 billion in profit for Medtronic. Medical companies must be held accountable for their actions when they sacrifice safety for profit. Some people who received Infuse even suffered nerve damage and death. Medtronic is continuing to deny that it promoted the off-label use of its bone graft product, even in light of recent deaths that have occurred after implanting Infuse.

You Need a Product Liability Attorney

Additional treatment was needed for patients who received the graft such as respiratory support and feeding tubes. Surgeries were also needed in some patients to reduce the inflammation because it was so severe. In July 2011 a report was published about the risks associated with the Medtronic Infuse Bone Graft, it stated that the company failed to accurately report the side effects from its clinical trials, they failed to report that the people testing and promoting the product had financial ties to the company, they never revealed that the graft could cause problems with nerves and the spinal cord, and they failed to also mention that the off-label use of the graft could lead to the severe side effects that are being presented in present lawsuits.

If you have recently suffered injury after use of an Infuse Bone Graft, you should contact a product liability attorney from our firm immediately. You received the bone graft because you trusted that it would help your health, not harm it. If you were not responsible for your injuries, you should not be the one paying for them. Our firm has ample experience in dealing with defective medical devices and knows how to fight to see that you get the compensation you deserve.

Don't wait until it's too late. Contact a defective medical devices attorney from Arnold & Itkin today!