MiniMed Insulin Pump

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Minimed Insulin Pump Injuries

Diabetic patients throughout the country are at risk of suffering serious injuries from a batch of defective MiniMed Paradign Insulin Pumps. The pumps are designed to deliver controlled amounts of insulin through a small tube called an infusion set. Infusion sets are disposable and are typically replaced after three days.

More than three million “Lot 8” Paradigm Quick-Set ® Infusion sets, used in conjunction with the MiniMed Insulin Pumps, were recalled June 29, 2009 after discovery of a possible manufacturing defect. A lubricant clogged the tubes, preventing the venting of air through the tubes. This may cause the pumps to deliver too much or too little insulin to a patient, putting them at grave risk of serious, possibly fatal injuries.

Minimed Insulin Pump - Diabetic Comas

There is a specific amount of insulin that a diabetic patient needs to survive. The specific amount varies among patients and is measured by a doctor. Insulin pumps are designed to deliver a controlled amount of insulin to each patient — too much or too little can be fatal. The defective Quick-Set Infusion sets may not allow the pumps to vent air pressure properly, which may result in the wrong dose of insulin.

Patients who receive a wrong dose of insulin are at risk of experiencing high or low blood sugar levels, both of which can lead to diabetic coma. If a patient lapses into a diabetic coma, he/she will not be able to wake up or respond to sights, sounds or other types of stimulation. In severe cases, diabetic coma can cause a build-up of ketones, which can cause kidney failure and death.

To prevent diabetic coma, it is important for diabetic patients to watch for signs and symptoms of high and low blood sugar.

MiniMed Insulin Pump - Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia refers to high blood sugar levels. Patients using a recalled MiniMed Insulin Pump are at risk of hyperglycemia if the pump fails to deliver enough insulin through the infusion set. If you are using an insulin pump, it is important to watch out for the early signs and symptoms of high blood sugar. Early signs and symptoms include:

Nausea
Frequent urination
Increased thirst
Blurred, distorted vision
Extreme fatigue
Muscle stiffness and aching

In severe cases, hyperglycemia can lead to difficulty breathing, decreased consciousness, coma and death.

MiniMed Insulin Pump - Hypoglycemia

Diabetes patients who receive too much insulin are at risk of low blood sugar levels, a condition known as hypoglycemia. Low blood sugar is a serious condition that can lead to seizures and loss of consciousness. If you are using an insulin pump and are feeling shaky and irritable, you should visit your doctor immediately. Hypoglycemia symptoms include:

Shakiness
Clumsiness
Dizziness, confusion
Unexplained weakness
Excessive sweating
Increased irritably
Severe headache
Rapid heartbeat
Blurred, distorted vision

MiniMed Insulin Pump - Seizures

Defective MiniMed Insulin Pumps that deliver too much insulin put patients at risk of a dramatic drop in blood sugar, which can result in seizures, coma and death. Seizures are typically marked by unusual sensations, uncontrolled muscle spasms and loss of consciousness.

MiniMed Insulin Pump – Stroke

One of the more severe health risks associated with use of a defective MiniMed Insulin Pump is a stroke, a sever medical emergency. If you or a loved one are diabetic and begin to experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek emergency medical help as you may be experiencing a stroke:

Difficulty speaking
Confusion
Weakness
Severe headache
Difficulty seeing
Numbness in the arm or leg

Strokes are serious medical conditions that can cause:

Permanent disability
Inability to move arm or leg
Permanent speech problems
Trouble maintaining balance
Bladder and/or bowel control problems
Memory loss, difficulty concentrating

MiniMed Insulin Pump – Heart Attack

Diabetes patients who are administered the wrong dose of insulin are also at risk of heart attack. If you or a loved one experience one or more of the following signs or symptoms, it is imperative to seek medical assistance immediately:

Chest pain
Pain in the neck, arm or jaw
Shortness of breath
Cold sweats
Dizziness, lightheadedness
Nausea, vomiting

If heart attack is not treated promptly, it can have lasting effects, including:

Permanent disability
Heart failure
Kidney damage

MiniMed Insulin Pump - Renal Failure

Diabetic patients are at risk of kidney damage. The recalled, defective insulin pumps increase their risk of kidney (renal) failure, however, because an improper dose of insulin can lead to abnormally high levels of glucose which can ultimately lead to complete kidney failure. Kidney damage is marked by:

Fever
Abnormal urination
Pain in the lower back and/or pelvis
Nausea and/or vomiting

Medtronic Paradigm MiniMed Quick-Set Pump – Arrhythmias

When diabetics get too much or too little insulin, they run the risk of arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats. This is caused by an abnormal blood glucose level. Arrhythmia is a dangerous condition that can potentially lead to stroke or death. There are two main types of irregular heartbeat:

Bradycardia—abnormally slow heart rate
Tachycardia—abnormally fast heartbeat

Both these conditions are severe and require immediate medical attention. Patients who experience abnormal heartbeats may also experience the following symptoms:

Pounding sensation in the chest
Weakness, fatigue
Confusion
Dizziness and/or fainting
Tingling sensation in the hands or fingers

Arrhythmias can result in coma or death. Patients who experience abnormal heartbeats while using an insulin pump should be treated immediately. Treatment will likely require hospitalization.

MiniMed Insulin Pump - Hospitalization

Patients who suffer a serious injury as a result of using a defective MiniMed Insulin Pumps will likely be hospitalized. In most cases, hospital bills and treatment costs can add up quickly and only add to the physical and emotional damages.

If you or a loved one has been hospitalized because of a condition caused by a defective medical device such as a MiniMed Insulin Pump, you should consult our experienced MiniMed Insulin Pump Lawyers who will fight to recover compensation to cover your medical costs and other damages.

Our injury and death lawyers are investigating all MiniMed cases. Our evaluations are not limited to persons injured by the recalled "Lot 8" infusion sets. To discuss the details of your unique circumstances, please contact our law offices today.

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