Toxicologist Discusses Nickel Allergy in Essure Device Users

ByWendy Ketner, M.D.

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Updated onSeptember 27, 2018

Toxicologist Discusses Nickel Allergy in Essure Device Users

Multiple patients prescribed Essure, a nickel-based contraceptive implant, joined in a class action after suffering numerous complications. The IUD was meant to provide permanent birth control by being implanted directly into the patient’s Fallopian tubes. There were a multitude of varyingly severe side effects, with women suffering perforation of the uterus and other organs, migration of the device outside of the Fallopian Tubes and moving throughout the body, and immune reactions that caused women to have headaches, weight gain, and hair loss. The class action required someone with expertise in toxicology, specifically nickel, to review and opine on the patient’s symptoms.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Please briefly describe your toxicology experience with nickel and nickel related allergies.

Expert Witness Response E-027933

inline imageI am a practicing medical toxicologist with experience in occupational and environmental nickel allergies and correlating symptoms. Significant evidence exists regarding malfunction and adverse side effects related to the Essure device, and allergic reactions to nickel may be a contributing factor to some of these patients’ cases.

About the author

Wendy Ketner, M.D.

Wendy Ketner, M.D.

Dr. Wendy Ketner is a distinguished medical professional with a comprehensive background in surgery and medical research. Currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs at the Expert Institute, she plays a pivotal role in overseeing the organization's most important client relationships. Dr. Ketner's extensive surgical training was completed at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, where she gained hands-on experience in various general surgery procedures, including hernia repairs, cholecystectomies, appendectomies, mastectomies for breast cancer, breast reconstruction, surgical oncology, vascular surgery, and colorectal surgery. She also provided care in the surgical intensive care unit.

Her research interests have focused on post-mastectomy reconstruction and the surgical treatment of gastric cancer, including co-authoring a textbook chapter on the subject. Additionally, she has contributed to research on the percutaneous delivery of stem cells following myocardial infarction.

Dr. Ketner's educational background includes a Bachelor's degree from Yale University in Latin American Studies and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from SUNY Downstate College of Medicine. Moreover, she is a member of the Board of Advisors for Opollo Technologies, a fintech healthcare AI company, contributing her medical expertise to enhance healthcare technology solutions. Her role at Expert Institute involves leveraging her medical knowledge to provide insights into legal cases, underscoring her unique blend of medical and legal acumen.

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