SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Saint Francis Hospital is just one in the region notifying cardiac surgery patients of a potential infection risk.
A heater-cooler device known as the Stockert 3T was used during 3,000 open-heart surgeries between January 1, 2012 and November 2016, but is no longer used during the surgeries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified it as the source of bacterial transmission at hospitals in the U.S. and in Europe.
The FDA recently issued a warning saying bacteria can grow inside the machine and spread throughout.
“With the care and safety of our patients and our colleagues as our highest priorities, Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center has taken many important steps to address potential contamination issues with these devices,” a statement from the hospital said Thursday.
People who are concerned or curious about their personal risks can visit the CDC website for more information or call the CDC’s specific help line at 1-800-232-4636. You can also call your provider to schedule an evaluation and discuss their concerns. Symptoms may include night sweats, muscle aches, weight loss, unexplained fever or drainage or redness of surgical wound.
Hartford Hospital tells FOX 61 they do not use the device.
The Connecticut Department of Health tells FOX 61 it is sending out surveys to all Connecticut hospitals to determine which are using the device, what their plans are for future use of the device, and what information they will be providing to their patients.
Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts is notifying up to 1,800 patients about their risk. Baystate said they used the device between January 1, 2012 and February 2016. Baystate said no patients have acquired an infection linked to the device as of Wednesday, and the odds of such are low.
It said the hospital is following the CDC’s guidance when it comes to notifying patients about the potential infection.
Earlier this year, it was revealed that patients were possibly exposed to hepatitis and HIV from colonoscopies at Baystate Noble Hospital in Westfield, Mass.
Brendan Monahan, Manager of Public Affairs fro Baystate, released the following statement Thursday afternoon:
Like other hospitals nationwide, Baystate Health is following the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention when it comes to notifying patients about the potential infection exposure associated with the Stöckert 3T heater-cooler device. To date, no patients have acquired this infection and the odds of doing so are low. It is important to note that, when in operation, this device was not used during all cardiac procedures at Baystate and only those who were potentially exposed during surgery will be receiving letters in the next 10 days. Our highest priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of our patients, and therefore this notification is being completed out of an abundance of caution in partnership with the CDC.
