What Are Bair Hugger Warming Blankets Used For?

Many hospitals use warming blankets during different stages of surgery, but not many people outside of the medical field may fully understand their purpose. What are Bair Hugger warming blankets used for, exactly, and why are these medical products being scrutinized? 

Bair Hugger Warming Blankets Uses

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In general, warming blankets are medical devices commonly used to maintain a patient’s body temperature during surgery. 3Ms Bair Hugger warming blankets are used in almost 80 percent of hospitals in the United States to keep a patient’s body temperature stabilized.

These warming units can help patients maintain a normal core body temperature during all three phases of surgery — preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative. They work by circulating warm air through a disposable blanket placed over the patient, which helps regulate temperature and prevent hypothermia, a risk when patients are under anesthesia. Heated air is piped through the device and it helps stabilize core temperature before, during, and after a procedure as the patient using it recovers. 

Warming Blanket Lawsuits

Unfortunately, there is evidence that Bair Hugger warming blankets can cause contaminants in the operating room to become airborne, and as the contaminants move through the Bair Hugger system, they can be deposited into wounds and surrounding areas, leading to an increased risk of complications such as infection, MRSA, and sepsis.

Plaintiffs in lawsuits involving 3M Bair Hugger warming blankets allege that the device can increase infection risks, particularly in joint replacement surgeries. These infections can lead to painful complications and often require further surgeries, prolonged recovery times, or even lifelong issues.

Some lawsuits have suggested that 3M knew about the risks posed by these warming blankets but failed to notify healthcare professionals adequately. However, the manufacturers of Bair Hugger devices defend their product’s safety and effectiveness.

If you developed an infection after a joint replacement surgery in which a Bair Hugger warming blanket was used, you may need the assistance of a personal injury lawyer. Consulting with a personal injury attorney who specializes in medical device litigation can help you determine your legal options. 

Please contact the trusted Phoenix injury attorneys at Phillips Law Group today to discuss your potential case in a free, no-obligation consultation. Call 602-222-2222 to learn more now.