Covenant Health Response to CDC Advisory Linking Patient Infections to Potentially Contaminated Heater-Cooler Devices

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an advisory linking patient infections from Mycobacterium chimaera (M.chimaera) to the Stockert 3T Heater-Cooler devices used in open-heart surgery.

Patient safety and privacy are top priorities for Covenant Health and we take the CDC’s advisory very seriously. After thorough review of our protocols at our three member hospitals where open heart surgeries are performed, we have determined that our routine practices follow all recommended manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning and maintenance of the Heater-Cooler devices.

We are currently conducting a thorough and exhaustive review of our data and preliminary results indicate no identification of any cases of the M.chimaera infection. In the event that anyone is identified, we will personally and immediately contact the patient directly. 

Covenant Health’s standard of care includes continually monitoring infection rates and other patient safety information. We work diligently to ensure all Covenant Health patients receive the highest quality of care in a safe environment.

Former heart surgery patients should contact their cardiovascular surgeons if they have questions or concerns.