Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Lawyers Blog

Hernia surgery is a fairly common procedure, with approximately 750,000 performed each year in the United States. But for those patients who have had the Kugel Mesh patch implanted as part of their hernia repair, this simple procedure can be painful or even fatal.

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) initiated a recall beginning in December 2005 of the Bard(r) Composix(r) Kugel(r) Mesh Patch, a device used to repair incisional (or ventral) hernias. The patch is manufactured by Davol, Inc., a subsidiary of C.R. Bard. The patch contains a "memory coil ring" that allows the patch to be folded so it can be surgically implanted through an incision. The ring then springs open and the patch lies flat once it is in place. However, the ring within the patch can break, causing pain, bowel perforations, bowel obstruction, and life-threatening injuries.

The Kugel Mesh patch is estimated to have been used in 100,000 patients. More than 80 injuries and several fatalities have been reported to the FDA as a result of the use of the patch. Because the manufacturer, Davol, does not have access to patient records, it only notified its customers, who are hospital and doctors. Although Davol has relied on
these hospitals and doctors to get the word out to patients, many patients have not been contacted...and many more patients may still be at risk.

If the ring in the patch breaks, patients may experience symptoms including unexplained or persistent abdominal pain, fever, tenderness at the implant site, or other unusual symptoms. Patients who have been implanted with these patches and who have these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

The FDA issued three recalls for the Kugel Mesh patch from December 2005 to January 2007. Six different sizes of the patch have been recalled, including extra-large oval, large oval, and large circle. If you think you may have a Kugel Mesh patch as a result of hernia surgery, it is best to consult with your doctor or surgeon.

Continue reading "Patients with the Bard® Composix® Kugel® Mesh Patch Used in Hernia Surgeries May Not Be Aware of Complications" »

On Nov. 2, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that labels for Byetta, an injectable, blood-sugar-lowering drug used to treat type 2 diabetes, would be updated to warn those taking the drug of an increased risk for kidney problems, including kidney failure.

Byetta was approved in 2005, and almost 7 million prescriptions were written for it between 2005 and 2008. Doctors and patients tend to like Byetta because it is easier to inject than insulin and had also been found to promote weight loss in some patients.

In an article on CNN.com on Nov. 4, Dr. Richard Hellman, the past president of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, and a clinical professor at the University of Missouri--Kansas City School of Medicine, said that side effects of Byetta can include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, which may contribute to changes in kidney function.

"If someone starts vomiting, they can lower the volume of fluid in their body. If it gets to dangerously low levels, their kidneys could be damaged and kidney failure could take place," said Dr. Hellman.

Between April 2005 and October 2008 the FDA received 78 reports of kidney problems related to Byetta. Although some patients already had kidney disease before they started using Byetta, others developed kidney problems after taking it.

Symptoms of kidney problems can include changes in urine color, swelling that starts in the feet and legs, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, and trouble sleeping. If left untreated, kidney damage can worsen and could turn into kidney failure. Patients with any of these symptoms are encouraged to report them to their doctor.

Continue reading "FDA Reports Pennsylvania Residents Using Diabetes Drug Byetta May Be at Risk for Kidney Problems" »

Maclaren USA has recalled nearly 1 million of its strollers after 12 children had their fingers amputated after being caught in the strollers' hinges.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on Nov. 9 announced that the voluntary recall concerns Chinese-made strollers sold in the U.S. from 1999 to November 2009 at Babies 'R' Us, Target, and other children's product retailers.

Affected Maclaren models include Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, Techno XLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno, and Easy Traveller. When the stroller is opened or unfolded, the hinge can cause a "fingertip amputation or laceration hazard to the child."

Maclaren is issuing a free repair kit to make the hinges safe. The company noted that its strollers met required safety standards, but stated, "Our advice is that consumers should take the same level of caution and care as when opening or closing a car door or any other moving part that can be found in many other baby and toddler products."

The CPSC advises consumers to stop using the recalled strollers immediately and to contact Maclaren USA to receive a free repair kit.