March 26, 2012

CR Investigates: Dangerous Medical Devices

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Tens of millions of Americans live with medical devices implanted in their bodies—artificial joints, heart defibrillators, surgical mesh. And it’s a safe bet that most of them assume that someone, somewhere, tested the devices for safety and effectiveness…Consider alternatives. Ask your doctor what will happen if you don’t get the implant. Many women who received transvaginal mesh for prolapse repair, for example, probably never even needed surgery. “Pelvic organ prolapse is almost never a life-threatening condition. It’s a quality-of- life issue,” explains Daniel S. Elliott, M.D., assistant professor of urology at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. “The overwhelming majority of women do not need to have surgery. If you’re not bothered by it, then don’t do anything. I think many patients weren’t adequately informed about that.”

 

 

Consumer Reports   3/26/12

Tags: Daniel S. Elliot, Issues, Medical devices, Technology

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