Duke University Health System settles claims by patients

North Carolina-based Duke University Health System has settled claims by patients who alleged they suffered health problems after being exposed to hydraulic fluid on surgical instruments at two Duke hospitals in 2004. The settlement remains confidential, but resolves claims against Duke by an unknown number of clients. Dozens of patients who were exposed to the hydraulic fluid at Durham Regional and Duke Raleigh hospitals have now sued the companies that contracted with Duke to sterilize the equipment.