May 3, 2011 - After collecting nearly 1,200 complaints of patient exposure to excess radiation due to equipment issues between 1999 and 2010, the FDA has launched an investigation into several medical equipment manufacturers.
The past decade's stream of complaints mainly center on computer software malfunctions regarding the linear accelerators in radiation treatment devices. These components are responsible for directing the stream of electron radiation to the tumor and a malfunction can cause radiation exposure to healthy tissues.
To begin combating this dangerous occurrence, the FDA has sent letters of notice to 93 companies that produce radiation treatment devices for cancer treatment centers across the U.S. The letters ask the manufacturers to participate in an upcoming workshop to address the concerns of excess radiation exposure and how to improve patient safety.
Radiation treatment devices that are defective, malfunction, or are misused can cause immediate serious injury such as burns, or later injury such as cataracts, tissue damage, and development of other cancers. The workshop, to take place at a later date, will focus on methods to reduce these risks, which may involve stricter quality controls in production and operation of equipment and better technician training.
Getting defective medical devices removed from consumer use is possible only when the defects are brought to the attention of regulators. If you or a loved one has suffered serious injury or death from a defective medical device you should contact a St. Louis defective product attorney immediately to discuss your case.
Contacting a St. Louis Defective Product Attorney
When a defective product causes serious injury or death, the liable party needs to be held accountable for their negligence. Filing a Missouri product liability claim is no easy feat, but with the help of a St. Louis defective product attorney, you can feel confident knowing your case is in good hands, while you focus on your recovery and getting your life back on track. To get started with determining if you have a viable defective product case, contact the Missouri product liability team at Bollwerk & Tatlow, LLC - 314-315-8111.
Posted on May 04, 2011