Calling for more device scrutiny

Medical devices are often just woefully understudied, yet have somehow managed to secure regulatory approval. This has led, as the New York Times editorial board points out, to scores of patient deaths and injuries. Pelvic mesh, in particular, is facing a lot of justifiable criticism: Seven companies have paid out something like $8 billion to resolve more than 100,000 patient claims, per the article. 

It’s not just straight devices that seem to have this effect: The drug-device combo of paclitaxel, a typical chemotherapeutic agent, with stents and balloons used to treat arterial disease actually increases the risk of death. This begs the question: What other drugs, devices, or drugs and devices have been under-reviewed — and seem to cause more harm than good? Send us an email and let us know.