3M believes strongly that none of these cases have merit and is eager to prove that in court. There is no valid evidence that anyone has ever contracted a surgical site infection from the Bair Hugger system. Likewise, there is no scientific study that has demonstrated a causal link between the use of Bair Hugger therapy and an increase in surgical site infections. The recent Proceedings of the International Consensus Meeting on Periprosthetic Joint Infections determined that “no studies have shown an increase in SSI related to the use of” forced-air warming devices such as Bair Hugger.
There is, however, ample evidence that Bair Hugger warming therapy helps patients. Many clinical and quality studies have shown that maintaining normal body temperature during surgery reduces the risk of surgical-site infections. Patient warming is a recommended practice by leading health care institutions and professional societies – and the Bair Hugger system is a safe, effective and efficient method of doing so.
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