Products do not Always Perform as Expected even when Used as Intended

New York Product Liability

Even when properly researched, designed, developed, tested, inspected, and approved products do not always perform as intended when put into actual practice.  Products may also be defective as a result of defective design or improper manufacture.  What ever the case, a defective product may cause serious injury or even death to the user, even when the product is being used as intended.

Take for example the case of the AB5000 Circulatory Support System.  This product was intended to supply power to disposable blood pumps used to support the left and/or right sides of the heart.  A description of the product is as follows:

The AB5000 Circulatory Support System provides temporary support for one or both sides of the natural heart in circumstances where the heart has failed, giving the patient’s heart the opportunity to rest and potentially recover.

The AB5000 Ventricle is vacuum assisted technology with clear housing to allow clinicians a view into the device. It use the same cannula as the BVS 5000 Blood Pumps, allowing for seamless transition of devices without requiring an additional surgical procedure.

Unlike other ventricular assist systems that can require multiple drivers for a single patient, patients on the AB5000 Ventricle require only a single console – regardless of condition.

The AB5000 Console is designed to allow patients to leave their hospital rooms and walk within the hospital and on hospital grounds. Multiple studies have shown that patient ambulation, or walking, greatly assists the recovery process. The ease of use and transport capability of the AB5000 System makes it an important option for both regional and local cardiac centers. Patients can be put on the AB5000 or the BVS 5000 System at their local hospital and then be transported to more advanced cardiac centers if necessary.

In December 2009, the FDA issued a class 1 recall of the AB5000 Circulatory Support System.  It was discovered that the computer may shut down causing the device to stop pumping blood without an alarm.  This was a serious device defect that may cause serious injuries or death.

When a product fails to operate properly when used as intended this may be the result of a defective design of the product or negligent manufacturing of the product.  When devices are designed defectively or improperly manufactured, the consequences may result in serious injury or death to the user.

Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved-one has been injured due to a defective product, it is important to speak to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your rights and protect your interests.