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Dozens of patients of two Duke University Medical System hospitals claim to suffer from health problems stemming from exposure to tainted surgical instruments in 2004.
The mix-up that led to thousands of patients being exposed to hydraulic fluid on surgical instruments six years ago has resulted in a $26 million settlement from Duke University Health System, according to federal court documents.
About 3,800 patients were exposed to surgical instruments that had been washed in used hydraulic fluid. Eighteen have sued Duke University Health System over the mix-up.
Duke University Health System has demanded an arbitrator hear its complaint against a vendor in connection with surgical instruments that were contaminated by used hydraulic fluid.
Patients exposed to instruments washed in hydraulic fluid contend Duke hospitals conspired with suppliers to hide the mix-up.
The system and the patients' lawyers would not disclose details of how they closed the case that began after surgical instruments at two hospitals were washed in used hydraulic fluid from an elevator in 2004.
Patients exposed to surgical instruments washed with hydraulic fluid at two Duke University Health System hospitals suffered no more subsequent health problems than anyone elsel, according to a report issued Thursday.
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