Medical records: Are you worried about Hologic BioZorb Marker recall?

@gigipatula
I had not heard of Hologic BioZorb Marker so did a little researched it. For others reading, The BioZorb Marker made by Hologic (previously Focal Therapeutics), is an implantable radiographic marker used to mark soft tissues (such as breast tissue) for future medical procedures.

The FDA has done a recall on this specific marker, but are not recommending removal unless advice by health care provider due to adverse side effects after you receive a BioZorb Marker.
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/medical-device-recalls/implantable-marker-recall-hologic-removes-biozorb-3d-bioabsorbable-markers-due-risk-patient
Here is manufacture announcement:
https://www.hologic.com/biozorb-3d-bioabsorbable-marker-important-recall-information
I am not a medical professional, but from I read, some patients experienced pain, infection, rash along with other complications. And like you, I know I have markers / clips from biopsies and surgery but no idea the type of markers used. But I am not having any side effects. I did go make and read my surgical notes from 2018, and it only says clips were placed, nothing about type of clips. They were placed so the radiologist could use to pinpoint areas that needed radiation after surgery.

Are you experiencing any side effects that might be caused by the markers?

My reason for concern is that my sister who had breast cancer decades ago at the age of 32 or 33 had one breast removed and an implant placed. The implant was later recalled and she was never notified. Ultimately it had to be removed because of rupture, I want to make sure that whatever is inside of me is safe for now and in the future. As far as any current side affects other than a odd throbbing that happens when I lie down, no. I did have 2 seroma's after surgery but I have no idea of those were related to the clips and if in fact I even have the recalled clips. In any even I do want to know if I have them or not.

@gigipatula, I completely understand how you are gripped by fear. But don't let fear paralyze you. Being sure about what is in your medical records will present one of 2 situations for you:
1. The Hologic BioZorb Marker was not used and you no longer need to be fearful
or
2. Hologic BioZorb Marker was used and you should call your surgeon on Monday to discuss next steps.

Reviewing your medical records can be a daunting task. I recommend that you have someone with you. Write down your questions. Knowledge is power and can help inform your next actions. You got this.

Thank you for your wonderful and honest reply, and OK I toughened up and read most of it, nothing surprising but also no mention of what brand of breast clips were placed during my initial biopsy. However it does say in their that nothing has moved and it all looked good. So that's all good news. The initial biopsy was done by my breast surgeon who at the time was in private practice so that record is not included. I will try calling the breast surgeons office and see if they have retained any of her old records I'm sure they do. But I'm glad I read most of this and feel relieved nothing surprising was in their. I do love how they say I am a "very pleasant patient" 🙂 We should all respect health care workers, they have a tough job!

i have a marker too but i do not know the manufacturer. i am not having any symptoms. i've always had full access to my medical records.

i've read all my records, i actually have them all in a big binder that i bring to all my appointments. i didn't find anything within them that wasn't already told to me by doctors.