Biomedical Engineering Expert Discusses Infection From Heater-Cooler Device

Case Overview

This case involves a patient who allegedly contracted a pulmonary infection following cardiothoracic surgery. The patient in question had undergone open heart surgery in order to treat a malformation in his aorta, during which he was placed on cardio-pulmonary bypass. In addition, the patient was also attached to a heater-cooler device in order to maintain his body temperature. It was claimed that a flaw in the design of the heater-cooler device allowed bacteria to enter the surgical site during the procedure.