A 58-year-old woman whose cancer was treated using the Axxent Electronic Brachytherapy System at Hoag Hospital is now suing for Newport Beach medical malpractice. The patient, referred to as "Jane Doe," may lose one or both of her breasts following the experimental radiation procedure. She is also suing manufacturer Xoft Inc. for California products liability over the allegedly defective medical device.
The woman was treated on June 24, 2010. During her six-month checkup, doctors discovered high-density tungsten particles in the breast that was treated. The tungsten, which is a metal element, allegedly broke off from the XOFT/iCAD Axxent Flexishield Mini, a device used during the procedure that was supposed to protect patient from radiation. Last month, Xoft Inc. recalled the Flexishield Mini, citing that a Jane Doe had reported finding the metal in her body during a follow-up mammogram. The manufacturer, however, said that the discovery didn't mean that the procedure was less safe.
Doctors, however, are recommending that Jane Doe get her breast removed to ensure that the metal particles don't end up spreading to other parts of her body. She might even end up undergoing a double mastectomy so that her breasts appear more natural. Jane Doe is seeking Newport Beach injury compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical expenses.
Defective Medical Devices Cases
Unfortunately, there are medical devices out there that can cause more harm than good to a patient. The resulting health complications can be traumatic and costly, possibly leaving the patient worse off than before. If you have been injured by a defective medical device, you may have grounds for a California products liability lawsuit against the manufacturer. You also may reason to sue your medical provider for Newport Beach medical malpractice.
Reasons for Filing a Defective Product Claim:
• Manufacturing defect
• Design defect
• Marketing errors, failures, or defects
Hoag patient sues after experimental therapy, Daily Pilot, March 9, 2011
Metal found in patient's breasts, OC Register, March 9, 2011
Related Web Resources:
Xoft Inc.
