Documentary highlights dangers of medical devices

Advances in medical research and technology have allowed patients to obtain treatment that was once only imaginable. Although many of these methods are successful, a recent film shines a light on problematic medical devices that can leave unsuspecting Texans with serious harm.
The documentary, entitled, “The Bleeding Edge,” explores medical devices, the regulations imposed on them, and, ultimately, the dangers they pose. Amongst those devices examined was a permanent form of birth control that allegedly fuses with surrounding tissue and organs, thereby creating scar tissue that renders women infertile. Some of those women affected by the product claim that the device, which is a coil shape, came loose and caused bleeding and, at least in some instances, the need for a hysterectomy. This is only one of the many medical devices examined in the film, which also include hip replacements and robotic surgery devices.
The film also devotes a significant amount of its attention on the lax regulations imposed upon medical devices. According to the film, many medical devices that can be shown to be substantially equivalent to another device that is already on the market. The filmmakers make the argument that these regulations allow potentially dangerous products to slip into the market. Making matters worse, far too many medical professionals fail to fully inform their patients about the risks associated with these devices.
Those who are harmed by medical devices may be able to sue the manufacturer of that device, but they may also be able to pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit against the doctor who recommended to inserted the device if the risks were not fully disclosed or if the device was misused or improperly implanted. To learn more about filing a lawsuit based on these issues in hopes of recovering compensation, Texans can reach out to legal professionals who are skilled in this area of law and who have a track record of proven success.