St. Jude aortic connectors are used by many surgeons during heart bypass surgeries because they eliminate the need to connect the patients lung to a machine during the procedure. Many patients who have St. Jude symmetry bypass aortic connectors have suffered serious side effects of the device including respiratory failure, heart attacks, and death. These serious injuries may be the result of various defects with the device, such as graft narrowing, failed deployment, occlusion, and valve leakage.

This device was approved for use in 2001 following a brief approval process. St. Jude Medical did not carry out extensive clinical trials or product testing, despite unfavorable reports which should have warranted further investigation of their product. Although there are many known risks associated with the medical device, the company did not contact doctors or patients to stress the significance of having the connector regularly inspected. Also, the company has not changed the design in any way to reduce the serious risks that patients face upon receiving the aortic connector.

To make matters worse, St. Jude Medical has not contacted the physicians or patients to emphasize the importance of regular monitoring and testing of patients with the Symmetry connector. The Symmetry Bypass Aortic connector is still on the market and aggressively marketed by St. Jude Medical.

If you or a loved one have undergone surgery and been implanted with a St. Jude aortic connector, please contact Peterson & Associates today to discuss your case. Our product defect lawyers have the experience and determination to aggressively represent you.