Latest News On When Medical Devices Malfunction

Latest KFF Health News Stories

FDA Said It Never Inspected Dental Lab That Made Controversial AGGA Device

KFF Health News Original

Johns Dental Laboratories stopped making the Anterior Growth Guidance Appliance last year after a KFF Health News-CBS News investigation into allegations of patient harm. The company had “never” reported any complaints about its products to the FDA, according to the agency.

FDA Announces Recall of Heart Pumps Linked to Deaths and Injuries

KFF Health News Original

Some pumps used in end-stage heart failure caused a buildup of biological material that blocks blood flow from the device to the heart’s aorta. The FDA’s recall affects nearly 14,000 devices.

Patients Facing Death Are Opting for a Lifesaving Heart Device — But at What Risk?

KFF Health News Original

The HeartMate 3 is considered the safest mechanical heart pump of its kind, but a federal database contains more than 4,500 reports in which the medical device may have caused or contributed to a patient’s death.

This Dental Device Was Sold to Fix Patients’ Jaws. Lawsuits Claim It Wrecked Their Teeth.

KFF Health News Original

A dental device called AGGA has been used on about 10,000 patients without FDA approval or proof that it works. In lawsuits, patients report irreparable harm. The AGGA’s inventor and manufacturer have denied all liability in court.