This article discusses the right-to-repair movement and its implications for medical devices. It highlights Terumo Cardiovascular's recent decision to restrict in-house repairs of its heart surgery machines, sparking concerns about potential price gouging and delays in critical repairs. The piece also explores the broader trend of companies treating devices as services, locking consumers into proprietary repair systems.
While companies like John Deere are facing pressure to embrace the right-to-repair movement, others are fiercely resisting it. A recent example involves Terumo Cardiovascular, a medical device manufacturer, which has informed hospitals that it will no longer allow in-house technicians to repair their heart surgery machines. Hospitals are now required to enter into repair contracts directly with Terumo .
The company manufactures the Advanced Perfusion System 1 Heart Lung Machine, a crucial piece of equipment that reroutes blood during open-heart surgeries. This shift in Terumo's policy reflects a broader trend in the tech industry, where devices are increasingly becoming more complex and reliant on software. Traditionally, independent repair technicians played a vital role in fixing a wide range of products, from televisions to automobiles. But with the advent of sophisticated chips and software, companies like Apple have argued that allowing unauthorized repairs could compromise security and reliability. Apple, after facing years of criticism for its environmentally unsustainable practices, has recently begun to loosen its grip on repairs, offering some third-party repair options. However, many companies still view devices as services rather than products. This model often locks consumers into a cycle of paying for upgrades or repairs through the original manufacturer. This approach contributes to the significant amount of electronic waste generated globally. If a TV malfunctions, the options often boil down to getting it fixed under warranty or discarding it, as purchasing a new one might be more economical. Turning hardware into a service inherently creates inflationary pressure due to this lock-in. Open markets for repairs, like those for Terumo's medical devices, could potentially lead to lower prices for hospitals. A Federal Trade Commission report found that medical device manufacturers sometimes charge exorbitant prices for repairs, further highlighting the need for competition in this sector. The automotive industry offers a glimpse into how this trend might unfold. For a long time, independent auto body shops thrived, capable of repairing any car with basic tools and knowledge. However, as cars became increasingly computerized, access to diagnostic software became essential. Manufacturers like Tesla have argued that providing independent repair companies with access to software data and diagnostics poses security risks, despite right-to-repair laws in states like Massachusetts specifically designed to enable such access. This lack of accessibility has created hurdles for independent repair shops, leading to higher prices and potential delays in service for Tesla owners. The potential consequences of Terumo's restrictive policy are concerning. In the event of a critical repair needed for a heart surgery, Terumo's response time could pose a significant risk. While the company has argued that medical devices are inherently complex and require specialized expertise to ensure patient safety, Apple's successful implementation of third-party repairs raises the possibility that Terumo could also adopt a more open approach.
Health Right-To-Repair Medical Devices Terumo Lock-In Accessibility Independent Repair Consumer Rights
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