Insulin pumps are wearable medical devices that deliver a continuous dose of insulin to patients suffering from Type-1 or Type-2 diabetes. Diabetics who use insulin pumps are able to work, go to school, and enjoy daily activities without having to stop for an insulin injection.
Because they are convenient, insulin pumps are very popular. However, these medical devices are not without risk. If the patient does not use the machine correctly, there is a risk that he will receive too much or too little insulin. Most insulin pump injuries are the result of:
- Lack of education or training on the correct use of the device
- Failure to follow device instructions
- Failure to monitor blood glucose during periods of high activity
- Inappropriate patient selection by a healthcare provider
- Mistakes in calculating insulin dose
- Lack of medical follow-up
- Lack of support during emergencies
A patient who receives too much or too little insulin may suffer from ketoacidosis, hypoglycemia (too low blood sugar), or hyperglycemia (too high blood sugar).
Insulin pumps, like all medical devices, can malfunction. There have been several medical device recalls associated with defective insulin pumps produced by the Animas Corporation or by Medtronic, Inc.
- In November 2008, Animas issued a nationwide recall of insulin pumps after learning that a defect in the battery cap could cause the machine to reset and deliver the wrong dose of insulin.
- In July 2009, Medtronic recalled the MiniMed Paradigm insulin pump. Defects in the tube delivering insulin could interrupt the flow of insulin to the patient.
- In February 2011, Animas recalled a batch of malfunctioning cartridges that could leak and deliver the wrong dose of insulin.
- In April 2013, the FDA recalled the Animas 2020 insulin pump because a defective component could trigger a false alarm or warning.
- The FDA also warned that the Animas 2020 insulin pump has a software malfunction that will prevent the pump from working after December 31, 2015.
- In July 2013, the FDA recalled MiniMed Paradigm Insulin Infusion Sets because fluid in the tubing connector could temporarily block the vents that allow the pump to properly prime, causing too much or too little insulin to be delivered.
Diabetics who were injured or experienced diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperglycemia, or hypoglycemia after using an insulin pump should discuss their case with a Salt Lake City defective device lawyer. They may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages through a Utah insulin pump lawsuit.
Salt Lake City personal injury attorney James Esparza takes defective medical device claims on a contingency basis. This means that you don’t pay unless he wins your case. To learn more, contact the James Esparza Law Firm at 800-745-4050.