heater-cooler

Heater-cooler Infections Strike Three in Philadelphia

heater-cooler associated bacteria infection strikes three in philadelphiaA rare infection contracted during cardiothoracic surgery has struck three Philadelphia patients. A fourth has tested positive for the bacteria that causes the infection but currently shows no symptoms.

The illness, caused by bacteria known as mycobacteria, has many throughout the healthcare industry questioning the safety of heater-cooler devices. The heater-cooler, essentially a blanket with tubes running through it, uses temperature-controlled water to heat or ...

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FDA Panel Investigates Heater-Cooler Role in Infections

fda investigating heater-cooler blanketsThe FDA’s Circulatory System Devices Panel met earlier this year to hear from scientists and clinicians over concerns that heater-coolers used in cardiac surgeries may be contributing to an increased risk of patient infection. If a definitive link is found, it could bring significant changes in the way the devices are used in these procedures.

Cardiac surgery is serious. Opening a patient’s chest and operating on their heart is ...

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Bypass Surgery Equipment Linked to 4 Pennsylvania Deaths

bypass heater-cooler linked to lethal hospital-acquired infectionsHeart bypass surgery may be one of the most complicated undertakings in modern medicine. Successfully completing a bypass operation requires absolute perfection in every regard; from the skill of the surgeons, to the flawless functionality of the equipment used to keep the patient alive.

Unfortunately, while outward appearances can appear to show a successful operation, contaminated equipment can cause harm that takes time to develop. Days, weeks, and even months ...

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FDA Links Heater-Cooler Devices to Infections

heart surgery devices linked to bacteria infectionsAccording to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), heater-cooler devices used during cardiothoracic and other medical procedures may transmit bacteria to patients and cause infections.

After examining its adverse event reporting database and reviewing relevant medical literature and information, the FDA stated it was aware that heater-cooler devices may lead to infections, specificially Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) infections. These infections primarily occur in patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery. ...

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