A New Hampshire man has filed suit against Atrium Medical Corp. after he suffered a severe hernia mesh reaction.

Plaintiff James B. accuses Atrium of negligently designing the C-Qur mesh product that was used to repair his umbilical hernia in December 2013.

James says that Atrium sold doctors on the C-Qur mesh even though the company knew the polypropylene surgical netting was not a material that was compatible with human tissue.

“Defendant Atrium made representations with the intent of inducing the medical community to recommend, prescribe, dispense and purchase C-Qur for use as a means of treatment for hernia repairs, which evinced an indifference to the health, safety and welfare of plaintiff James D. B.,” wrote James’ attorney in a complaint filed Jan. 9, 2017.

Painful Hernia Mesh Reaction

Several months after receiving the mesh implant, James continued to have abdominal pain, and didn’t know why. In late 2015, he learned he was having a hernia mesh reaction. In January 2016, he underwent removal of the mesh, but continues to be in pain.

A post-surgery pathology report states that a “foreign body giant cell reaction” occurred in his body. Scar tissue built up around the mesh implant.

Fish Oil Component in Hernia Mesh Reaction

Atrium coated the C-Qur mesh with Omega 3 fatty acid fish oil, a substance that could cause an allergic reaction, possibly even a lethal reaction, in patients with fish allergies. In response to doctors notifying the company of the dangers of such reactions, Atrium allegedly simply changed the way it applied the fish oil to the mesh without a word to the FDA.

In addition, Atrium is accused of using a chemical to keep the mesh product sterile, but failing to keep the package full of adequate moisture to effectively prevent infection.

This same lack of moisture allows the fish oil coating to lose its adherence to the mesh, creating more problems for the recipient and increasing the chances of a hernia mesh reaction, claims James.

Atrium Accused of ‘Stealth Recall’

The lawsuit contends that Atrium “stealth recalled” many types of mesh products several times by halting production without giving any notice to the FDA, doctors or consumers.

Among the products affiliated with hernia mesh reactions are:

• Atrium C-Qur Mesh
• Atrium C-Qur Mosaic
• Atrium C-Qur TacShield
• Atrium C-Qur V-Patch
• Atrium C-Qur Centrifx
• Atrium C-Qur FX Mesh (formerly C-Qur Lite)

All of the products were made of polypropylene mesh and had a coating of gel that contained the Omega 3 fatty acids.

In his complaint, James alleges that Atrium was negligent in both the design and the manufacturing of the C-Qur hernia mesh device.

If you have suffered from hernia mesh reactions, infections, gastric ulcers or other hernia mesh issues, you could benefit from speaking with a lawyer regarding your legal rights and options.

The Hernia Mesh Reaction Lawsuit is Case No. 1:17-cv-00004, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire.