A Michigan woman is suing Arizant Healthcare, a subsidiary of 3M, claiming she suffered Bair Hugger side effects that led to a serious deep joint infection.

Plaintiff Kim S. says she underwent a left total hip arthroplasty in December 2014 during which a Bair Huger Forced Air Warming system was used.

Kim alleges that as a direct result of the use of the Bair Hugger, contaminants were introduced into her open surgical would and subsequently caused a deep joint infection.

As a result of these alleged Bair Hugger side effects, Kim has undergone further medical treatment and surgery, including extensive antibiotics, debridement (surgical cleaning of the infection), and revision procedures.

Ultimately, she says that the infection allegedly caused by Bair Hugger side effects led to the explantation of her hip replacement in May 2015 and re-implantation in October 2015.

Kim brings forth several causes of action against Arizant and 3M for their alleged negligence and failure to warn of Bair Hugger side effects.

She is seeking compensatory and statutory damages, as well as equitable relief in the nature of disgorgement. Kim has requested a trial by jury for this case.

What is a Bair Hugger Warming System?

The Bair Hugger blanket is a forced-air warming blanket designed to help regulate the body temperature of anesthetized patients undergoing surgery, in order to prevent hypothermia and soft-tissue surgical infections.

Approved by the FDA in 1998, the Bair Hugger functions by forcing hot air through a hose and into a special blanket that is draped over the patient.

When the Bair Hugger warming system first entered the market in the United States nearly two decades ago, it was touted as a breakthrough product for keeping patients warm during surgery, which can help reduce bleeding and promote a faster recovery.

However, some say the Bair Hugger warming system can spread bacteria associated with hospital infections, like MRSA.

Possible Bair Hugger Side Effects

Several studies published in recent years have indicated a link between the Bair Hugger warming system and joint infection in knee and hip replacement patients, and even the inventor of the medical device, Scott Augustine, warns that it may pose a danger to surgical patients.

Some of the most common symptoms of a deep joint infection include:

• Swelling
• Pain or stiffness in the joint
• Wound drainage
• Warmth and redness around the wound
• Fatigue
• Fever, chills and night sweats

Filing a Bair Hugger Infection Lawsuit

New research indicates that the Bair Hugger forced-air warming system used during hip or knee replacement surgery may be associated with a high risk of bacterial contamination at the surgical site, allegedly putting patients at risk for MRSA and other infections.

As a result, the manufacturers of the Bair Hugger warming system are being sued by patients who suffered deep joint infections after undergoing hip or knee replacement surgery where the forced-air warming blanket was used.

If you believe you have been harmed by Bair Hugger side effects, contact an experienced product liability attorney to discuss the possibility of filing a Bair Hugger infection injury lawsuit against Arizant Healthcare and 3M.

Kim’s Bair Hugger Side Effects Lawsuit is filed within the larger Bair Hugger MDL, In Re: Bair Hugger Forced Air Warming Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2666 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota.