6 Questions to Ask Before Getting a Medical Device

Mar 26,2018

Medical devices are used by doctors to help with a number of ailments. From artificial hip implants to pelvic mesh to birth control devices, there are a plethora of medical devices on the market. While some of these devices are very successful in helping patients, others have proven to be defective and can end up harming the patient.

A medical device can cause problems for a number of reasons. For one, the device could be designed with inherent flaws. There could also be mistakes made by the manufacturer during the assembly of the device, which could lead to injuries. If the device is used incorrectly by the doctor, that can also cause problems for the patient.

What Should You Ask Your Doctor About the Medical Device?

If your doctor is recommending the use of a medical device for your treatment, here are some questions you should ask so you can make an informed decision:

What are the risks associated with the device? You want to be informed about all the possible side effects and risks of the device so that you can weigh the pros and cons.
Has the device ever been recalled? If your doctor does not have this information, you can find it on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) database, which is constantly updated.
Is the device medically necessary? Are there alternative treatments that would be less risky and just as effective?
Have clinical trials been done on this device? Were the trials sponsored by the manufacturer? Studies sponsored by the manufacturer might be less reliable than those done by a third party. Additionally, there are many devices that have not been subjected to human trials. If this is the case for the device your doctor is recommending, you might want to take some time to consider.
Does the doctor have experience using the device, and if so, what have the outcomes been for his/her previous patients?
Is the doctor planning to use the device “off-label?” In other words, is the procedure an approved use of the device by the FDA? Usage of a device in a way other than what it was designed for can be dangerous.

This is just a brief list of questions you should ask your doctor before you agree to a procedure involving a medical device. Depending on your confidence in your doctor and the procedure, you might also want to ask your doctor to record themselves doing the procedure on another patient so you can watch it. You might also want to find out whether the doctor has received any incentives from the device manufacturer. The best thing you can do is be as informed as possible before making the decision. If your doctor is hesitant to give you information on the device, you might want to be cautious.

“Medical devices can help improve people’s lives; unfortunately, sometimes they can also do more harm than good,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured by a defective product and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.