Terumo Monopolizes Repair Of Life-Saving Machines, Raising Costs For Hospitals

Hospitals using Terumo Cardiovascular’s Advanced Perfusion System 1 Heart-Lung Machine, a six-figure device critical for heart surgery, have been informed they can no longer service the machines in-house. Instead, all maintenance and repairs must now go through the manufacturer.

This move, detailed in a letter obtained by 404 Media, ends Terumo’s certification program that previously trained hospital technicians to maintain the device.

The heart-lung machine, essential for rerouting blood during open-heart surgeries, keeps patients alive during procedures. Terumo’s letter announced the discontinuation of certification classes and stated that existing certifications would expire without renewal, as reported by 404 Media.

The company emphasized that future servicing would exclusively be handled by its in-house team to ensure “optimal performance.” However, critics argue the policy will inflate healthcare costs. Hospitals now face increased expenses by relying solely on manufacturer contracts for repairs, which often cost significantly more than using in-house technicians, as noted by 404 Media.

“It’s no secret that America’s healthcare system is the most expensive, and this is one of the reasons why. These machines are actually highly reliable, we’ve had a low cost of service for it over the last few years. And when something isn’t right, we have people in-house who can fix it,” a source familiar with Terumo repairs said as reported by 404 Media.

“But the cost of having a service contract with a manufacturer, you’re probably talking 10 times the cost, ”the source added. 404 Media notes that this decision reflects a growing trend in medical device manufacturing, where companies restrict hospitals’ repair capabilities.

By revoking certifications and limiting access to repair tools and software, manufacturers create monopolies on maintenance, leaving hospitals dependent on their schedules and pricing. Critics fear delays in service could jeopardize patients awaiting critical surgeries.

404 Media reports that Terumo claims the decision was driven by declining participation in its certification program and asserts that its service team ensures proper maintenance for patient safety.

However, hospital technicians argue they are equally capable of performing these repairs. “Just because a guy has Terumo on his shirt doesn’t mean he’s a more competent technician,” the source added, as reported by 404 Media.

Calls for right-to-repair legislation in the medical field have gained traction, with experts warning that manufacturer repair monopolies threaten both patient care and hospital finances. While manufacturers like Terumo argue that restricting repairs protects patients, critics believe these policies prioritize profits over accessibility and affordability.

As hospitals grapple with rising costs and constrained repair options, the broader implications for healthcare affordability remain uncertain.