The Sorin Stockert 3T heater-cooler system keeps patients warm during surgery to prevent complications, but it may be playing a role in making some of them very sick. Surgeons often use this device, made by LivaNova PLC who is now owned by Sorin Group, during open heart surgeries. Some patients got sick after the device and caused the transmission of bacteria into the patient.
Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. is now accepting cases from patients who suffered complications because of a Mycobacterium chimaera infection. If you believe you have a viable case against LivaNova PLC and Sorin Group, give us a call today at 800-550-0000 to schedule a free consultation with a Sorin Stockert 3T heater-cooler device lawsuit lawyer.
What Do I Need to Know About the Sorin Stockert 3T Heater-Cooler System?
The Sorin Stockert 3T device is a heater-cooler system most commonly used to help patients regulate their body temperature during open heart surgery. During cardioplegic operations, the surgeons must stop the heart and, thus, blood flow. This makes keeping the body temperature at the appropriate level during each step of the procedure very important. The Sorin Stockert 3T heater-cooler system device makes this much easier, using three circuits to heat or cool as needed.
While these devices are very popular, many people who used them later developed a serious bacterial infection or severe lung disease, and some died. It is believed Mycobacterium chimaera contaminated the water tanks of the devices during their manufacture.
This bacterium is very slow-progressing, making it difficult to link the symptoms with the cause and the disease. Its symptoms often take months or even longer to develop, and by that time most people do not link their illness with their procedure.
Patients who had a heart procedure prior to 2015 and used the Sorin Stockert 3T heater-cooler system during surgery should pay close attention to their health, and see a doctor if they develop:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Unexplained pain
- Joint and/or muscle pain
- Night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
Has the FDA Taken Action About the Sorin Stockert 3T Heater-Cooler System?
In 2015, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) took action after it learned that patients receiving open heart surgery might be exposed to Mycobacterium chimaera while in the operating room. According to the warning letter it issued, laboratory tests performed on many of these devices found high levels of this bacterium present.
The manufacturer of the device issued a voluntary recall of the Sorin Stockert 3T heater-cooler system devices, including many used regularly for several years at major hospitals. The reason behind this recall was the “potential colonization of organisms, including Mycobacteria.”
What Is the Current Status of the Sorin Stockert 3T Heater Cooler Device Lawsuits?
There are a number of cases pending against LivaNova and Sorin Group, the manufacturers of this device. This includes:
- Two potential class action lawsuits
- Over a dozen individual lawsuits
The first potential class action lawsuit began in March of 2016 in the Middle District of Pennsylvania federal court. The plaintiffs hope this case will receive class action certification from the presiding judge. This will allow them to save time and money by basing the outcome of all cases on a single verdict. The second potential class action suit was filed in January of 2017, and is waiting on the parties to complete the early pleading before it can move on to the certification process.
The individual 16 cases, filed in six separate districts, were in consideration to become multidistrict litigation (MDL), but the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation denied this request in April of 2017. The plaintiffs were split on whether they wanted MDL status or preferred moving forward with individual cases. The panel voted against an MDL, saying they thought it would not help speed the cases along. In fact, 10 of the 16 actions are already in the same South Carolina court, and the same judge is presiding over these cases.
It is still relatively early in the class action process, and we are accepting cases from people who believe they suffered from lung disease or other complications of a Mycobacterium chimaera infection acquired from the Sorin Stockert 3T heater-cooler device. If you believe you may have a viable complaint or have questions about this case, do not hesitate to give us a call. We can help you understand the strength of your case against this device manufacturer, and help hold it responsible for any damages you suffered.
How Can I Talk with a Sorin Stockert 3T Heater-Cooler Device Lawsuit Lawyer?
The legal team from Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. knows how to navigate the class action process, and can ensure your case gets the representation it deserves. We can help you get tested for an underlying infection, and document all your related health care costs including treatment for any serious complications related to an infection. We offer free case evaluations, and can help you understand the best route to secure the compensation you need and deserve based on the facts of your case.
Call our office today at 800-550-0000 to schedule your complimentary consultation with a Sorin Stockert 3T Heater-Cooler Device attorney.
