FDA Issues Warning Kidney Donor Components

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently issued a warning for Hem-o-Lok Ligating Clips, which are manufactured by Weck for living kidney donors. The clips keep the process of living donors -- and recipients – from experiencing the potentially fatal problems associated with blood vessels not being properly closed after surgery.

The process, reportedly called nephrectomy, is for kidney removal for kidney donor transplant surgery, and the FDA believes there may be concerns of serious risks to the organ donor. TheFDA evidently believes the clips may possibly dislodge. The Weck Hem-o-Lok Ligating Clip is a V-shaped clip made from a non-absorbable material that comes in various sizes. It is used to permanently close bleeding vessels or tissue structures.

There have been five kidney donor deaths, all linked to the use of these products, reports say. And in all cases, the complications began within hours of surgery. Now patients are warned to discuss the potential for surgical complications of donating a kidney with their health care provider.

Have these manufacturers done everything they could have to protect their patients? The Doan Law Firm P.C. has extensive experience in personal injury and wrongful death accidents and can provide answers to any family suffering loss or injury. Contact the Doan Law Firm, P.C., led byHouston personal injury attorney Jimmy Doan, at 1 Riverway, Suite 2055, Houston, Texas 77056, (713) 869-4747 or (800) 910-FIRM