Penn Presbyterian Medical Center Infection Lawsuit​

Investigating a lawsuit against the Penn Presbyterian Medical Center on behalf of individuals who had open-heart surgery from October 1, 2013 and December 17, 2015.  It is alleged that Penn Presbyterian Medical Center began  notifying current and former patients of possible exposure to a potentially harmful bacteria during open-heart surgeries performed during this timeframe.  The Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") has received reports of infected patients or bacterial contaminations associated with devices used to heat and cool a patient’s blood during heart surgery.

The bacteria is known as nontuberculous mycobacteria ("NTM") and may infect patients who are seriously ill or have compromised immune systems.  The machine is a heater-cooler device which uses water to regulate temperatures through a closed circuit of warming and cooling blankets.

​According to the FDA, while the water does not come into contact with the patient, “there is the potential for contaminated water to enter other parts of the device” that can be transmitted through the air to the patient through the device’s exhaust vent. If you had open-heart surgery at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center between October 1, 2013 and December 17, 2015, please contact us for a free consultation. 

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