Device Theft Increases Infection Risk

Boston Scientific Corporation has alerted the public about a stolen shipment of medical devices for endoscopy and urology/women’s health. These devices were stolen while en route to the company’s sterilization facility. Although the devices are labeled “sterile,” they are nonsterile, and use of these devices can cause infection. A list of specific devices involved can be obtained at http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/CriminalInvestigations/ucm253675.htm. All patients who have been or may have been treated with these stolen devices should be monitored and treated for adverse events, such as post-operative infection.

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Reference

1. U. S. Food and Drug Administration. Boston Scientific devices stolen – risk of infection. Available at:http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm253937.htm. Accessed May 15, 2011.