Legal Updates
Medtronic Bone Graft Product Being Investigated
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
On November 18, 2008, Medtronic Inc. said that it received a subpoena from the United States Department of Justice regarding use of its popular bone graft product in ways not approved by federal regulators, a practice that could lead to serious injuries in patients with back problems. CEO William Hawkins…
ReliOn Insulin Syringes Recalled
Friday, November 07, 2008
People with diabetes who use ReliOn insulin syringes should check their syringe package because of an important recall. On November 6, 2008, Tyco Healthcare Group (Covidien) issued a recall of 4,710 boxes of syringes with 100 syringes in each box that were sold at Wal-Mart and Sam's Club from Aug.…
FDA Investigates Lasik Eye Surgery Complaints
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
On April 25, 2008, there was a meeting of the FDA Ophthalmic Devices Advisory Panel involving representatives of the panel, the Joint LASIK Study Task Force, and members of the public. Members of the public spoke out about their negative experiences with LASIK and PRK and the depression and anxiety…
Medtronic Drug Pumps Recalled
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
On September 26, 2008, the FDA announced a recall for implantable drug pumps manufactured by Medtronic Inc. In June 2008, Medtronic Inc. issued a safety alert for the devices after improper connections between implanted catheters and pumps that deliver infused drugs were detected in 83 patients, along with one death.…
Capitol Hill Critiques Medical Device Ads
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
On September 17, 2008, medical experts informed lawmakers that new television advertisements for medical devices pose even greater risks to patients than ads for drugs, which have been scrutinized for years. The Senate Aging Committee hearing was focused on whether new restrictions are needed on consumer-directed advertisements for artificial knees,…
Zimmer Suspends Sales of Durom Cup Hip Device
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
On July 24, 2008, Zimmer Holdings, the nation’s biggest producer of orthopedic devices, announced it would suspend sales of an artificial hip component that some doctors have complained was failing at a high rate.In recent months, several doctors have complained that the device, a hip socket known as the Durom…
