Last updated: March 22, 2023

Mycobacterium Chimaera Infections After Heart Surgery in Pennsylvania Hospitals

Cardiac surgery patients in Pennsylvania may have been exposed to a potentially fatal bacterial infection caused by a slow growing bacteria, Mycobacterium Chimaera. What makes these infections so difficult to detect is that they may develop weeks, months and even years after the surgery, and as a result, may be misdiagnosed as other illnesses.

The bacteria can enter heater-cooler devices used during heart surgery, particularly, open heart surgery. These devices are used to heat and cool blood during the surgery. If the bacteria, which exists naturally in the air, water, and soil, contaminates the heater-cooler, it can enter the patient’s bloodstream.

In Mycobacterium Chimaera infection cases, the manufacturer of the heater-cooler device may face a product liability claim. In addition, the hospital or surgeon may also be liable for failure to follow the manufacturer’s cleaning and maintenance instructions.

Did You Receive a Letter from a Hospital Warning You About Infection Risks?

Recently, hospitals across Pennsylvania have been sending letters to cardiac surgery patients, warning them of the risk of these infections. The CDC recommends that hospitals which used the specific device send such letters to patients who had cardiac surgeries as far back as 2012.

If you received a similar letter or suffered from an infection after any cardiac surgery, please contact the Morris Wilson Law Firm. We will review your case and discuss your legal rights with you. Our law firm accepts medical malpractice and hospital malpractice cases across Pennsylvania. (610) 825-0500