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Editor: Marc Jay Bern
Profession: Defective Medical Device Lawyer

Category: Medtronic Lawsuit News

A Sioux Falls woman is suing a local surgeon following medical complications alleging a medical device was implanted in her neck without federal approval or her consent.

Dr. Bryan Wellman of Sanford Clinic Neurosurgery & Spine inserted a device called Bone Morphogenic Protein, or BMP-2, in Laurie DeNeui's neck in October 2005 without her consent, according to court documents. Wellman inserted the device during surgery to treat severe headaches and neck pain, said Steve Johnson, DeNeui's lawyer. Wellman denies any wrongdoing.

BMP-2, manufactured by Medtronic, is approved for use in the lower back to stimulate bone growth, but not approved for use in the spine and neck.

Due to the surgery, the woman has suffered several health symptoms including difficulty turning her head and speaking and breathing, according to her lawyer. As a result, she has become disabled.

Jury selection and trial is expected to begin after August 1.