Covidien, LP’s Medtronic Recalls Defective Ventilator
As consumers, and particularly as already vulnerable medical patients, we are truly at the mercy of medical manufacturers to ensure that the devices they produce are of sound quality. Unfortunately, in instances where there is a manufacturing error, such as the case with Covidien LP’s Puritan Bennett 980 Series Ventilator, we are left susceptible to the potentially life-threatening consequences of those errors, at no fault of our own. In this case, it’s important to ensure your safety, become educated, and learn how to receive your rightful compensation.
About the Recall
Covidien, LP, which is part of Medtronic, announced a recall for the Puritan Bennett 980 Series Ventilator they manufacture. The reason for the recall has been disclosed as an assembly error which could cause the machine to cease working properly. As ventilators are meant to provide patients with breathing support by pushing air in and out of their lungs, in cases where a device no longer works properly, this means that the machine’s ability to ventilate and provide patients with proper oxygen and air flow in hindered. Naturally, this can be very dangerous.
If exposed to a defective Puritan Bennett 980 Series Ventilator, there could be serious subsequential health risks. Known potential health complications that could arise as a result of use include:
- Hypercarbia- increased carbon dioxide levels in blood
- Hypoxemia- unusually low oxygen levels in bloodstream
- Neurological injury
- Death
Here is the extensive list of model numbers, sourced from the Medical Device Recall Database:
- Puritan Bennett 980 Series Ventilator, 980S3ENDICU
- Puritan Bennett 980 Series Ventilator, 980U1ENASAA
- Puritan Bennett 980 Series Ventilator, 980U1ESDIUC
- Puritan Bennett 980 Series Ventilator, 980U3ESDIUU
- Puritan Bennett 980 Series Ventilator, 980X1ENAIQC
- Puritan Bennett 980 Series Ventilator, 980X1ENDIPC
- Puritan Bennett 980 Series Ventilator, 980X1ENDIUU
- Puritan Bennett 980 Series Ventilator, 980X1ENNISB
- Puritan Bennett 980 Series Ventilator, 980X1JADIJJ
- Puritan Bennett 980 Series Ventilator, 980X1PLDIPC
- Puritan Bennett 980 Series Ventilator, 980X2ESDIEC
- Puritan Bennett 980 Series Ventilator, 980X3ENDIUU
- Puritan Bennett 980 Series Ventilator, 980X3JADIJJ
- Puritan Bennett 980 Series Ventilator, 980A1ENNISB
- Puritan Bennett 980 Series Ventilator, 980A3ENNISB
- Puritan Bennett 980 Series Ventilator, 980S1ENDICU
Medtronic’s recall statement revealed that both patients who used defective ventilators, as well as their health care providers, could be affected.
How You Can Take Action
If you believe you were exposed to a faulty Puritan Bennett 980 Series Ventilator, it’s important that you take the proper steps to ensure your safety and your ability to take legal action.
First, check to see if your device is one of the devices listed above. If it is, stop use of the device immediately, and speak with a health care provider to obtain another ventilator that’s safe to use. Next, as stated by Medtronic, you’ll want to quarantine the device until it can be confirmed as defective. However, before calling Medtronic, ensure that you have properly documented your use of the device. To do this, speak with our legal team today.
Let Christian & Christian Help
If you’ve used or suspect having been injured by a Puritan Bennett 980 Series Ventilator device, make sure you get the legal help you need. Our team at Christian & Christian is just as passionate about your health as we are about ensuring that the responsible manufacturers be held accountable. We want to help you see to it that you are given the compensation you deserve for any suffering that could have resulted from the manufacturer’s carelessness.
Call us today at (864) 408-8883 to speak with a representative. We’re happy to provide you with a free consultation and see just how we can be of service to you.