Bair Hugger Surgical Warming Blankets
3M’s Bair Hugger system is used in a hospital or surgical setting to help patients maintain their core body temperature throughout their procedure. It’s comprised of a disposable inflatable blanket and a reusable forced-air warming blower, which have been linked to increased risk of infection following joint replacement surgery.
If you or a loved one has suffered a deep infection following a hip or knee replacement, contact us today. Our team will handle your case and make sure you are represented fairly. Leave the sleepless nights to us.
Case Quick Facts
The Problem
Studies suggest that the Bair Hugger may increase the spread of contaminant particles during surgery and may increase the risk of serious infection during orthopedic surgery, such as hip and knee implant procedures.
The Injuries
In knee and hip surgeries, the Bair Hugger may increase the risk of developing an infection deep in the joint. These infections are resistant to antibiotics and often result in additional surgeries, possible amputation, and death.
The Defendant(s)
3M, one of the world’s largest companies, manufactures and distributes the Bair Hugger. The Bair Hugger was originally developed by Dr. Scott D. Augustine in 1988 and was sold to 3M in 2009.
Goldenberg Lauricella, PLLC Can Help
Litigation status is currently active. Hundreds of orthopedic surgical patients have filed suit against 3M alleging that the Bair Hugger caused their infections. The federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) is centralized in the District of Minnesota and assigned to Judge Joan N. Ericksen. Goldenberg Lauricella, PLLC partner Noah Lauricella is a member of the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee and co-chair of the PSC’s Bellwether Committee. Consolidated proceedings are also moving forward in Ramsey County, Minnesota before Judge William H. Leary III.
What is the Bair Hugger?
The Bair Hugger has two components:
- A disposable inflatable blanket
- A reusable forced air warming blower
- Cool sterile air is pulled in by the forced air warming blower, flowing over the patient’s body.
- Waste heat is pushed towards the non-sterile floor, which then rises through convection currents as bacteria-contaminated air.
- The forced air warming blower takes in the contaminated air, spreading bacteria over the orthopedic patient’s open surgical wound.
Current Litigation
Over 3,000 surgical patients have filed suit against 3M, alleging that the Bair Hugger blankets were the cause of their infections. In December 2015, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation centralized all federal Bair Hugger cases in multidistrict litigation (MDL) No. 2666 in the District of Minnesota. The MDL is assigned to Judge Joan Ericksen. The cases in the MDL, while joined together for investigatory purposes, are still separate and distinct regarding individual causation and damages.
In their complaints, the plaintiffs allege they have suffered significant injuries on account of the use of Bair Hugger warming blankets during their orthopedic surgeries.
Plaintiffs also allege that 3M:
- Knew about the risks involved with the Bair Hugger
- Failed to warn of those risks
- Failed to redesign the product to increase its safety
- Fought to hide and denounce scientific data demonstrating such risks
Free Consultations. If you or a loved one developed a deep joint infection following hip or knee replacement surgery, please call one of our lawyers at (800) 903-1643 for a free consultation. Leave the sleepless nights to us.