Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Sanford Health will halt the use of medical devices sold by a company owned by one of its neurosurgeons while a federal investigation into their use is ongoing, reports Argus Leader.
Medical Designs, owned by Wilson Asfora, MD, develops the Asfora Bullet Cage used in spinal fusions and a plate used in cervical fusions, both of which Sanford Health are suspending the use of, effective Aug. 1.
A 2016 lawsuit against Sanford Health and Dr. Asfora alleges Dr. Asfora performed unnecessary spine surgeries using devices from a company he owned. The lawsuit was recently unsealed when the Department of Justice decided to intervene. The federal government has not filed accusations in the case, according to the report.
The health system will replace the devices with similar ones on the market until the legal issues are resolved.