It has been reported that, following an investigation, drastic changes are required to protect patients in relation to rules surrounding medical devices.
The investigation, which was carried out by 58 media organisations has shown that patients were receiving implants which were unsafe. It noted that implants, which had failed in trials and thereafter put into people, had involved baboons, or had been tested on dead bodies and pigs.
The devices which were investigated included hip replacements, pacemakers and implanted contraceptives.
The investigation highlighted ways in which patients have suffered as a result of being given a defective medical device such as:
- Implants that have cracked inside peoples backs which had previously failed when carried out in baboon tests yet were still used
- Birth control implants which caused bleeding and internal damage
- Mesh implants which have caused extreme abdominal pain
Now, the Royal College of Surgeons are asking for the rules surrounding medical devices to be altered.
They are urging the Government to address the issue and they are asking for the introduction of a register, which would record every patient who has an implant and detail the type of implant that they have. This would allow health professionals to monitor whether the new devices were working or causing complications.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care has said that they will work with the regulator to see what future changes may be required.
Whilst not all medical devices are dangerous and in most cases drastically improve quality of life or even save lives. However, clearly, due to lack of proper reporting and monitoring people have experienced serious complications as a result of being fitted with a defective medical device. If you are experiencing any side effects which are not common of your medical device, please get in touch with our specialist lawyers today and we will be happy to discuss your potential claim.
