WellSpan York Hospital in York, Pa., has alerted open-heart surgery patients of possible exposure to bacteria during surgery, according to an article on the Infection Control Today website.
The bacterium – a nontuberculous mycobacterium, or NTM – is commonly found in nature, including soil, water and even tap water.
In some rare cases it can cause infections in patients who have had invasive healthcare procedures, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
WellSpan completely replaced its heater-cooler devices with new equipment in late July.
How Curated Art Elevates Senior Care Spaces
The CDC's Guide to Hand Hygiene in Healthcare
Dana-Farber, BIDMC Launch Construction of Dedicated Adult Cancer Hospital
5 Components of an Integrated Safety Culture in Healthcare
NYC Opens Therapeutic Housing Unit for Medically Vulnerable Detainees