I’m sorry to hear about your medical problems. You are likely talking about a device called TigerPaw II. This device is a surgical stapler that is commonly used during open heart surgery. The purpose of the TigerPaw II is to close the tissue in the heart that was opened during surgical procedures that are used to treat atrial fibrillation.
Atrial fibrillation occurs when the chambers of the heart do not keep a steady rhythm with each other. As a result, blood clots can form in the heart, which may cause a heart attack or a stroke. If you suffer from atrial fibrillation, you may be given blood thinners to help. However, in some cases a doctor may recommend surgery. A surgical procedure can be done which will prevent the blood from forming clots within the upper two chambers of the heart. Normally, the surgeon would close a part of the heart during the procedure, and may use a TigerPaw II in order to do so.
The TigerPaw II was recalled in March 2015 after it was discovered to be defective. It was discovered that the devices not only failed to properly close the tissue in the heart, but also could cause other injuries that could lead to complications or death. Some patients suffered from internal bleeding due to tears in the atrial wall, the formation of blood clots, infections, heart failure, and even death. The FDA announced that the product was capable of causing serious harm, and the company recalled all of its machines. Patients who underwent procedures before this recall may later have issues, which can lead to a claim against the company that manufactured the devices.
If you have been harmed by a defective medical device, such as a surgical stapler, you may have a claim against the manufacturer. Call me, Conal Doyle, Los Angeles defective medical device attorney, at 310-385-0567. My team can help. Call today to learn more or to schedule a free consultation on your case.