N.W. Washington, DC 20009. This policy resulted in the discovery and the emergence of new suppliers of silicone raw materials. Alternative suppliers of silicone raw materials have emerged. In fact, a great number of substitutions of material suppliers have taken place. The result is that we have not had a shortage or withdrawal of critical products.
Pacemakers continue to be widely used and are widely available.
Biomaterial suppliers have rarely been sued, and blameless suppliers are routinely found not liable for injuries and illnesses caused by defective medical implants. A review of case filings reveals two lawsuits involving defective shunts. Both were against physicians for failing to diagnose shunt malfunction, which resulted in serious mental incapacity for the patients. Since manufacturers have not been sued, no reason exists for a shortage of shunts due to litigation.