[infoseek12]

I think the reason is explained by this quote:

“Companies should have insurance that covers the maintenance of devices should volunteers need to keep them beyond the end of a clinical trial”

I don’t think she was “forced” to have it surgically removed but this kind of complex implant probably requires ongoing maintenance in order to be operated safely. Since the company that made it went out of business there isn’t anyone around to provide the extremely specialized maintenance which is required.

It’s a sad situation but also a complex one. I imagine providing long-term support for this kind of medical device is non-trivial.