PCA Pumps May be Dangerous

The parents of a young woman who died after receiving pain killers through a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump have launched a foundation to raise awareness about the dangers of the medical devices.

A PCA pump delivers a certain dose of opioid pain medication intravenously, either continuously or intermittently, according to ABC News. The device is often used to relieve pain from cancer or after a surgery and it allows the patient to receive a set dose of pain medication by pushing a button themselves.

Prior to Amanda Abbiehl’s death, she was receiving the opiod medication hydromorphone through a PCA pump, according to ABC News. Her parents believe it might have been a factor in her death although no official determination has been made.

Experts say that deaths linked to the pumps are increasing due in part to their increased use, according to ABC News. The Physician-Patient Alliance for Health & Safety says between 2005 and 2009, more than 700 patient deaths and 56,000 adverse side effects have been linked to the medical devices. The alliance also says that one of the dangers of using the pumps is that there is not enough monitoring of the levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen in patients and it may be difficult to know if a person’s breathing rate is too low.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a dangerous medical device, contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation and to find out if a product liability lawyer may be able to help you. For legal help, call (800) 581-6358.

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