WellSpan York Hospital Infection Lawsuit​

Investigating a lawsuit against the WellSpan York Hospital on behalf of individuals who had open-heart surgery from October 1, 2011 through July 24, 2015.  It is alleged that WellSpan began  notifying approximately 1,300 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 32 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 WellSpan York Hospital between October 1, 2001 through July 24, 2015, please contact us for a free consultation. 

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