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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 6

Written Answers - Hip Implants.

Bernard Allen

Question:

223 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will give assurances that no 3M health care hip replacements were used in Irish hospitals from 1 August 1991 to 31 March 1997, in view of the fact that the British Department of Health is issuing new advice stating that these implants have poor short-term performance and that some people who had these prosthesis fitted may need to have the prosthesis removed and another one inserted. [5010/98]

My Department has established that 25 3M Capital Hip System implants, manufactured in the United Kingdom by 3M Healthcare Limited, were distributed in Ireland. Of these, only nine were actually implanted. Arrangements have been made with the hospitals involved to have the nine patients who received the implant contacted immediately for review and, where necessary, follow up. This action has been taken following the receipt of notification from the UK Medical Devices Agency of poor short-term performance associated with the femoral component of this product.

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