A Covidien hernia mesh lawsuit may be an option for people who suffered severe complications associated with the devices. Covidien composite mesh devices are sometimes used in hernia repair surgery to help reduce the rate of hernia recurrence and provide support to surrounding tissues. However, some patients may experience complications related to the devices, including infection, adhesion and hernia recurrence. Affected patients and their families may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue damages with the help of a Covidien 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 Covidien hernia mesh lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What is a Hernia?
Hernias occur when an organ, intestine or other soft tissue bulges through an opening or weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. Over 200,000 people reportedly suffer from some type of hernia each year, including those affecting the groin and abdominal area. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), most hernias are caused by an increase in abdominal pressure.
Other common causes of hernias include:
- Obesity
- Heavy lifting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Persistent coughing or sneezing
Other factors that may contribute to the occurrence of a hernia include poor nutrition, smoking and overexertion.
What is Covidien Hernia Mesh?
More than one million hernia repairs are performed in the United States annually. Due to the high rate of hernia recurrence, surgeons will often use surgical hernia mesh or a hernia patch to help strengthen the hernia repair. Surgical hernia mesh is usually made from synthetic materials (such as polypropylene, polyester or ePTFE) or animal tissue. In some cases, some hernia mesh devices combine more than one type of material to treat the patient.
Covidien, a subsidiary of Medtronic, manufactures medical supplies and surgical products. Among the products it manufactures, Covidien develops a variety of surgical hernia meshes, patches, and plugs, including Versatex monofilament mesh, Symbotex composite mesh, and Parietex composite mesh.
Parietex composite mesh has been used since 1999 for the advanced treatment of ventral hernias. According to the manufacturer’s product information guide, Covidien Parietex composite mesh was the first hernia mesh to use a combination of polyester and a resorbable collagen barrier to promote tissue ingrowth and integration and limit visceral attachments.
Covidien Hernia Mesh Complications
With or without the use of hernia mesh, there are general complications associated with surgical hernia repair, including pain, infection, hernia recurrence, adhesions, obstructions, bleeding, fistula formation, seromas and perforation of surrounding organs. According to the FDA, the most common adverse events following hernia repair surgery with surgical mesh are pain, infection, hernia recurrence, adhesion and bowel obstruction.
According to the manufacturer, complications associated with Parietex composite hernia mesh include, but are not limited to:
- Seroma
- Hematoma
- Hernia recurrence
- Infection
- Visceral adherence
- Allergic reactions to the components of the products.
In addition to known complications associated with Covidien Parietex hernia mesh, several adverse event reports have been submitted to the FDA’s medical device reporting system. Adverse health complications submitted by patients to the FDA’s Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience database (MAUDE) include:
- Sharp pains and uncomfortable feelings in the patient’s pelvis, hip and groin area
- Difficulty standing for long periods of time
- Wound leakage
- Ulcers and infection leading to mesh removal, along with a portion of the patient’s stomach
Medical device reports, particularly mandatory reports submitted by manufacturers, importers and device user facilities, can be a valuable source. Reports issued by health care professionals, patients and other consumers are just as valuable to the FDA; however, these types of reports are voluntary and may contain incomplete, inaccurate or unverified information.
Has There Been a Covidien Parietex Hernia Mesh Recall?
Although there has not been a Covidien Parietex hernia mesh recall, other surgical mesh devices have been recalled due to serious complications and adverse reactions. Those complications (such as pain, infection, adhesion and hernia recurrence) have led some people to file lawsuits claiming that the device manufacturers failed to disclose known risks associated with the devices and that patients suffered damages as a result. Failure to warn of side effects of a drug can be a basis of drug company liability, regardless of whether the drug has been recalled.
How a Covidien 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 Covidien 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.
