After suffering a hernia mesh infection, a Louisiana woman is seeking to hold Atrium Medical Corporation accountable for manufacturing an allegedly defective mesh product.

On March 25, 2014, plaintiff Iris G. was diagnosed with an incisional hernia at the age of 55.  She subsequently underwent hernia repair surgery where she received an Atrium C-Qur mesh.

Just four days later, Iris presented with a large mid-line ventral incisional hernia that was causing pain. It was discovered that Iris needed to have another surgery to fix the hernia mesh.

Her discharge summary noted “infected hernia repair with mesh”, and also noted “had dehiscence of the repair and was taken back to surgery on 03/29/15 and was fixed. She developed infection and was started on antibiotics and the lower part of the wound was opened and drained.”

On April 14, 2014, Iris was again admitted for a post-operative abdominal wall infection after mesh report, at which time she was treated with IV antibiotics.

A year later in May 2015, Iris was again admitted to the hospital with a hernia mesh infection and underwent another surgery in June.  At that time, her physician noted “Patient may need a much larger surgery if she keeps having mesh infection.

Then in October 2015, Iris went to the Emergency Department complaining of malodorous drainage from her wound site, where it was found she had an abscess near her wound site. Surgical opening of the wound was performed to allow better drainage.

Atrium C-Qur: Source of Hernia Mesh Infection?

The C-Qur hernia mesh gained FDA approval through the FDA 510(k) program in 2006, which allowed Atrium to skip thorough pre-market studies. In order to gain 510(k) approval, Atrium had to prove that its mesh was substantially similar to a previously approved mesh

Just like most transvaginal mesh devices, Atrium’s C-Qur hernia mesh is made from polypropylene, the polymer plastic that’s known to shrink, cause a foreign body reaction, become infected and erode.

In 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Atrium Medical noting that the manufacturing and sterilization process for the C-Qur hernia mesh was altered without proper test being conducted. The FDA also cited multiple instances of C-Qur hernia mesh infection that the company failed to investigate and report.

Several studies have investigated the complications associated with Atrium’s C-Qur hernia mesh. A study conducted in Belgium had to be stopped early because of an unacceptably high rate of C-Qur hernia mesh infection in participants.

A separate study also was riddled with participants who experienced hernia mesh infection in nearly every C-Qur hernia mesh that was implanted.

Did You Suffer a Hernia Mesh Infection?

Sadly, Iris’ situation is not uncommon. There is a growing number of lawsuits filed against Atrium Medical Corporation, alleging severe hernia mesh infection resulting from the failure of the Atrium C-Qur hernia mesh.

Lawsuits against Atrium and its C-Qur hernia mesh are currently pending in federal courts in Texas, Florida and New Hampshire, with more lawsuits likely to be filed in the near future.

If you or your loved one has suffered a hernia mesh infection following a hernia repair surgery, contact a lawyer who has experience in dealing with such cases to have a clear understanding of your legal rights and ascertain if you are entitled for any compensation.

The Hernia Mesh Infection Lawsuit is Case No. 1:16-cv-02764-LM, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire.