When you visit the doctor or have a medical procedure done, you’re there to receive care. The last thing you want to worry about are medical device side effects. The reality, however, is that every treatment comes with risk. Take a look at some of the most common side effects of medical devices down below.
Infections
If a medical device hasn’t been properly cleaned before use, the bacteria on the device can transfer over to you. There are also other germs from other patients’ illnesses that can transfer over. This then could cause your body to become infected. Common medical devices that cause infections are catheters or heart valves.
Before a doctor uses one of their medical devices, make sure you see them disinfecting it. If the device has a cover on it, make sure they remove the used cover and replace it with a new one. You can ask your doctor if they can clean the device thoroughly before use. According to Stevens IT, some doctors apply microgel antibiotics to their devices to fight infection.
Allergic Reactions
Some medical instruments are made of metals that your body is sensitive to. A common metal people are allergic to is nickel. In many first aid kits, you’ll find bandage scissors that are made of nickel. Before your doctor uses a medical device, ask them what metal it’s made of. You could also tell your doctor what metals you’re allergic to before or at the start of your visit. That way, they’ll be able to make accommodations for you ahead of time.
According to CrownBuyers, your body is much less likely to have an allergic reaction to a high noble alloy. A high noble alloy is made of 40% gold and 60% of a noble metal like platinum or silver. Below high noble alloys, you’ll find noble alloys and base metal alloys. Noble and base metal alloys don’t have to have gold in them. Try a high noble alloy to see how your body reacts.
Pain
Sometimes a medical device malfunctions or a doctor uses it incorrectly. You may have also been treated by a robot that didn’t perform correctly. According to HG Legal Resources, defective medical devices can cause you severe pain and even threaten your life. During a procedure, let your doctor know when you’re feeling pain. If you are still in pain after a procedure that isn’t normal, consider getting a lawyer.
The key takeaway is to talk to your doctor about any concerns you have ahead of time. They can help you avoid negative side effects from medical devices. If you experience side effects that are a result of medical malpractice, however, talk to a lawyer about your options for compensation.
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