There are many types of medical implants used in modern medicine. People who experience joint failure may have implants installed. Hip implants are relatively common, particularly among older adults. Patients with hernias or internal prolapse may have mesh implanted to help support their musculature and organs.
Doctors can use pins, plates and rods to reinforce damaged bones after severe fractures. They can even implant internal artificial defibrillation devices to help people with different types of cardiac issues. Those implants have a direct impact on someone’s health and overall quality of life. Most patients who receive surgically implanted medical devices implicitly trust them as safe and effective. Unfortunately, implants can sometimes fail.
What can patients do when they suspect that a medical implant has failed?
Seek medical evaluation
The first step in establishing that an implant may have failed is to undergo a medical evaluation. People may go back to the same physician or surgeon who installed or recommended the implant. In some cases, if they believe that the doctor did not review the situation appropriately, they may want to seek a second opinion from a different professional. Some people automatically go to a different medical professional than the one involved in the initial implantation procedure.
Imaging tests and even blood work can help establish that an implant may have failed. When a hip implant fails, for example, there may be visible damage to the bone and surrounding musculature. People may also experience blood poisoning because of the compounds from the device that infiltrate their bloodstream.
Reach out for a professional review
If medical professionals affirm that an implanted medical device failed, the patient may require a costly revision procedure. They may lose out on weeks of income and may incur tens of thousands of dollars in additional medical expenses. In some cases, it may be possible to hold medical device manufacturers accountable for the damages caused by defective implants. Patients facing major medical procedures or dealing with the financial aftermath of an implant replacement may need help evaluating their circumstances.
In some cases, it may be possible to pursue a lawsuit that leads to reimbursement for medical expenses, lost wages and other losses. Taking action after a medical device fails due to defective design or manufacturing can potentially compensate patients for the harm they’ve experienced. Companies that produce defective medical devices have a legal responsibility to those impacted by their negligence.
