Parker Waichman LLP

Congressman Seeks Criminal Inquiry into Morcellator Deaths

Congressman Calling Office of Crminal Investigation to Investigate Morcellator Deaths. Pennsylvania Congressman Michael Fitzpatrick is calling on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) Office of Criminal Investigations to investigate three deaths associated with the use of power morcellators, Qmed reports. Morcellators are surgical tools that are used during laparoscopic surgery; they mince up tissue into […]

Morcellator Deaths

Congressman Calling Office of Crminal Investigation to Investigate Morcellator Deaths. Pennsylvania Congressman Michael Fitzpatrick is calling on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) Office of Criminal Investigations to investigate three deaths associated with the use of power morcellators, Qmed reports. Morcellators are surgical tools that are used during laparoscopic surgery; they mince up tissue into smaller pieces so surgeons can remove it more easily through small incisions. In 2014, however, the FDA warned that use of morcellators during gynecologic procedure could inadvertently spread cancerous tissue. The issue has led to debates about what recommendations to make and whether the instrument should be banned.

The FDA has warned that morcellators should not be used in most patients. The agency said the risk of spreading a hidden cancer masking as a uterine fibroid was 1 in 352. The most prominent manufacturers of morcellators is Ethicon, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson.

Congressman Requesting a Probe of Ethicon and Hospitals

Congressman Fitzpatrick is requesting a probe of Ethicon and hospitals include Brigham and Women’s in Boston and the University of Rochester Medical Center. He alleges that hundreds or perhaps even thousands of women have died due to morcellator use, even though the FDA initially warned that the risk of spreading cancer was fairly low. His letter discusses three women who died of cancer likely related to use of the device. Fitzpatrick also raises concerns over whether their deaths were properly reported to the FDA. The agency told him in November that it did not “receive any adverse reports related to the spread or upstaging of unsuspected cancer through morcellation of uterine tissues.”

Fitzpatrick was part of a group of bipartisan lawmakers who sent a letter to the U.S. Government Accountability Office in August 2015. The letter called on the GAO to analyze the details of how morcellators were approved.

Need Legal Help Regarding Morcellator Deaths?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Parker Waichman LLP has provided outstanding client service. Working with Christina Morace made the process seamless. She was diligent, timely, and proficient. She always kept me abreast of my case. I am thankful for their service and highly recommend the firm to my friends and family for their outstanding, speedy, and courteous service. Edith J. Barrow
Charmaine Gray
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
They worked great with my husband's case. Jillian G. was in constant communication with us. She was always available to answer any questions or concerns. Just the mention of their name to doctors and insurance companies received an urgency to provide service. I would totally recommend them to EVERYONE I know.
zulia polanco
6 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
The team at Parker/Waichman was excellent in the handling of my claim, with Benita Rollis, my paralegal, being exceptional. I highly recommend this efficient, thorough, yet caring, legal establishment.
Rhonda Reid
3 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038