Dalkon shield

Dalkon Shield

This medical device related article is a stub.

The Dalkon Shield was an intrauterine device (IUD) that gained notoriety in the 1970s due to its association with severe health complications. It was designed by Hugh J. Davis and manufactured by the A.H. Robins Company.

Design and Features

The Dalkon Shield was a plastic IUD with a unique design intended to prevent pregnancy. It featured a distinctive "shield" shape and was equipped with a multifilament string, which was later found to be a significant factor in its complications.

Health Complications

The Dalkon Shield was linked to numerous cases of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), septicemia, and even death. The multifilament string was found to facilitate the ascent of bacteria into the uterus, leading to severe infections.

Legal and Financial Consequences

The complications associated with the Dalkon Shield led to extensive litigation against the A.H. Robins Company. Thousands of women filed lawsuits, resulting in a landmark class action lawsuit and the eventual bankruptcy of the company. The settlement fund established for victims was one of the largest of its kind at the time.

Discontinuation and Legacy

The Dalkon Shield was withdrawn from the market in 1974. Its legacy had a lasting impact on the regulation of medical devices and the development of safer contraceptive methods. The controversy surrounding the Dalkon Shield also raised awareness about the importance of informed consent and patient safety.

See Also

• Intrauterine device
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Medical device regulation
• Contraception

External Links

• History of Medical Device Regulation
• Birth Control Methods