The Truth Behind Dangerous Medical Devices

Recently, attorney Tom Yost sat down with Elsa, from WMAR’s Midday Maryland to discuss the potential dangers of medical devices, specifically Essure birth control and metal on metal hip implants. He talks about the way in which the FDA approves these devices and allows them to be sold. As well as what the next steps should be if someone has this device and is being harmed by it.

Essure is a non-surgical permanent form of birth control that was offered as an alternative to tubal ligation. The device consists of two metal coils made of nickel that are inserted into the fallopian tubes. Often times this device tends to migrate or cause these women terrible side effects that may include: nickel poising, heavy bleeding, and severe abdominal or pelvic pain. The only way to stop these symptoms from occurring is to have a hysterectomy to remove the device. The FDA took Essure off the market in December 2018.

The metal on metal hip implants made from manufacturers including Smith & Nephew and Stryker have recalled a number of their implants due to the fact that these devices are failing way too early. Often times those with the implant had a metal on metal hip and the metal began corroding into the bloodstream causing cobalt poising or metallosis. Since the implants were failing at a much higher rate instead of lasting the projected 10 to 15 years as originally advertised, this would result in the person needing a revision surgery. The litigation for these hips is taking place at the District Court in Baltimore.

If you are one of the 750,000 women in the United States with the Essure implant or part of the 20,000 to 30,000 men and women with a metal on metal hip, here are the next steps that you should take. Research the device that you currently have. Determine if the side effects that you have read about are what you are experiencing and discuss with your doctor. Submit an adverse event report to the FDA in regards to the manufacture distributing a defective device. Reach out to a lawyer because there may be a time limit on how long you have to file a claim.

Here at The Yost Legal Group we feel that these big manufacturers should be held liable for the sale of these products. If you or a loved one has been harmed by Essure or the metal on metal hips, or if you would like more information about these products, contact The Yost Legal Group at 1-800-YOSTLAW today for a free consultation. The attorneys at the Yost Legal Group will investigate your potential claim and lawsuit.