A Bard Composix hernia mesh lawsuit may be an option for people who suffered severe complications associated with the devices. Although surgical mesh devices are one of the most commonly used treatments for hernia repair, some devices may lead to serious adverse health events, including infection, pain, adhesion, fluid build-up and hernia recurrence. Affected patients and their families may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue damages with the help of a Bard Composix hernia mesh lawsuit attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group. We offer free, confidential, no obligation consultations. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a case we can connect you with an affiliated Bard Composix hernia mesh lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What is Surgical Hernia Mesh?
For more than 50 years, surgical mesh devices have been used to repair hernias and provide additional support to weakened or damaged tissue. They are often the preferred form of treatment in most hernia cases.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the majority of surgical mesh devices currently available for use are constructed from synthetic materials or animal tissue. Surgical hernia mesh devices are often made of either polypropylene, polyester or ePTFE. In some cases, surgical meshes may utilize more than one type of material. Composite meshes typically incorporate plastic materials as well as other synthetic or natural substances, including titanium, omega 3, monocryl, PVDF and hyaluronate.
What is Bard Composix Hernia Mesh?
Bard Composix hernia mesh encompasses several types of composite surgical mesh indicated for use in the reconstruction of soft tissue deficiencies in hernia repair surgeries. Bard Composix meshes offer long-term protection to help minimize mesh erosion, fistula formation, and tissue attachment. The devices are manufactured by Bard Davol, a subsidiary of C.R. Bard.
Other brand names for composite hernia mesh devices manufactured by C.R. Bard include Composix E/X Mesh, Composix L/P Mesh, Kugel hernia mesh, Supramesh IP Composite hernia mesh, and Ventralex hernia mesh.
Composite Mesh Complications
Most complications of composite mesh can be attributed to the type of materials and substances used to make the devices. According to the Royal College of Surgeons of England, common risks associated with composite hernia mesh include:
- Infection risk – The type of filament and pore size often determine the risk of infection for composite meshes. Microporous meshes, such as those made with ePFTE, are at a higher risk of infection because bacteria may be able to survive within the smaller pores.
- Adhesion risk – All types of composite mesh produce adhesions. Their extent is mostly determined by pore size, filament structure and surface area. Heavy-weight meshes are more likely to cause adhesions. Lightweight meshes are not as likely to cause adhesions, but most are not able to adhere as strongly to the abdominal wall. Composite mesh devices attempt to remedy these issues by adding an additional substance that will adhere to the abdominal wall without producing adhesions.
- Recurrence – Studies suggest that recurrence rates have dramatically dropped with the use of surgical meshes. In some cases, however, hernia recurrence may develop on the outer edges of light-weight meshes or as a result of other risk factors, such as postoperative infection, seroma and hematoma.
- Pain – Although meshes are designed to reduce the amount of pain a person experiences after hernia surgery, pain remains a serious complication of hernia mesh repair. Pain due to foreign body reaction (FBR) is most common, and meshes with smaller pores reportedly lead to greater FBR and higher rates of chronic pain.
- Mesh Degradation – Risk of mesh degradation is rare and mainly seen in polyester meshes.
- Seroma – Seromas occur in almost all types of meshes. However, those with larger holes may be less likely to develop seromas.
Bard Composix Hernia Mesh Complications
Possible complications associated with Bard Composix hernia mesh include:
- Seroma
- Adhesions
- Hematomas
- Inflammation
- Extrusion
- Fistula formation
- Hernia recurrence
Additionally, there may be a possibility for adhesion formation when the synthetic mesh is placed in direct contact with the bowel or abdominal organs.
How a Bard Composix Hernia Mesh Lawsuit Can Help
Medical device makers have a duty to provide safe products. If there are risks of harm associated with their devices, they also must provide adequate warnings. If a device maker fails to fulfill this duty, it could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
People injured by Bard Composix hernia mesh may be eligible to recover money for:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
The families of those killed may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
For more information, contact Attorney Group. After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
