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April 28th, 2023The Medtronic insulin pump recall of 2020 impacted thousands of diabetic patients worldwide. Medtronic and the FDA pulled these MiniMed insulin devices after receiving reports of the pumps overdosing or underdosing insulin to users. The company has an extensive history of problems with its insulin pumps. In fact, Medtronic has recalled MiniMed insulin pumps four times in the past, specifically in 2009, 2013, 2014, and 2017.
Has a Medtronic MiniMed insulin pump injured you or a loved one? Contact The Lake Law Firm today to speak with one of our lawyers to see if you qualify for a lawsuit against Medtronic.
Medtronic introduced its MiniMed insulin pump in 2006. Since then, the company has released several variations of its insulin delivery systems. Patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes rely on the pumps to manage their glucose levels. Individuals can clip these conveniently small computerized devices to their belts, tape them to their skin, or place them in their pockets.
The device then measures the patient’s glucose levels and delivers insulin as needed through a discreet catheter tube.
Initially, the MiniMed insulin pump seemed like a great tool for those with diabetes. With a portable and user-friendly design, the pump was supposed to improve users’ health by making insulin control easier. Because it served as an “artificial pancreas,” the automatic delivery system eliminated the stress of daily injections. However, these devices have been riddled with issues, putting the safety of users at risk.
In February 2020, the FDA notified the public about a Medtronic insulin pump recall that affected over 300,000 devices. This recall included the MiniMed 630G and 670G insulin pump models. Medtronic initiated the recall after learning of 26,421 complaints in which the pump over or under-delivered the programmed amount of insulin. The error reports included 2,175 injuries and one death.
The pumps contain a reservoir that holds the insulin. To lock the insulin cartridge, Medtronic included a retainer ring; however, the rings on the recalled products were either missing or damaged. Therefore, the Medtronic insulin pump recall-affected devices either delivered insulin too late or too quickly. This could result in hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
The FDA labeled the Medtronic insulin pump recall a Class I, its most serious classification. Class I devices present a high risk of injury or death for users. Improper insulin delivery could lead to an overdose, a diabetic coma, seizures, and death.
The concerns over MiniMed insulin pumps did not end there. In October 2021, the company expanded the February 2020 Medtronic insulin pump recall. This recall included all MiniMed 600 series insulin pumps, affecting over 460,000 devices. The FDA also announced the expansion of a 2018 recall involving the Medtronic MiniMed 508 insulin pump and Paradigm insulin pumps over cybersecurity risks. The FDA worried that people could hack into the controller and instruct the pump to over- or under-deliver insulin.
Between 2021 and 2022, Medtronic engaged in 23 recalls, many of which were Class I recalls. Most recently, the company recalled thousands of catheters in late 2022 over a hub defect.
The Lake Law Firm is here to assist those harmed by MiniMed insulin pumps. Medtronic has issued an alarmingly high number of recalls in the last few years alone. Insulin delivery for diabetic patients must be timely and accurate, or else patients can suffer life-threatening health complications. If your device was subject to the Medtronic insulin pump recall in 2020 and you were injured using it, you may be able to file a lawsuit.
The Lake Law Firm was founded by Edward J. Lake, Esq., a personal injury lawyer for over 25 years. Our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to seeking justice on behalf of those who have suffered injury or death due to the negligence of others. Our experienced attorneys handle many different types of pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, and other defective products. The lawyers in our firm have helped collect millions of dollars for their clients. A Medtronic MiniMed insulin pump attorney will advocate for you and your rights. Please contact us for a free confidential case evaluation at (888) LAKE-LAW.
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