Ethicon Knew Vaginal Mesh Erosion ‘Likely,’ According to Testimony
By John Curran
There are multiple trials for companies that allegedly sold defective vaginal mesh implants, and the one involving Ethicon has been eye-opening for most legal observers. The company official in charge of testing the Gynecare Prolift mesh implant and its medical director recently took the stand and dropped a bombshell.
Dr. Charlotte Owns stated that prior to the launch, she and other Ethicon employees were aware that the synthetic polypropylene material could erode and change its location, leading to the damage suffered by women as a result of vaginal sling implant failures. The report that she penned to the FDA included no mention of this. It is expected that the bladder sling implant failure lawsuit lawyers will use this to support their failure-to-warn claims filed for their clients.
It was an expected development considering the science behind the material. Many women have an allergic reaction to polypropylene, which does have uses in other products. However, it does lead to Gynecare Prolift implant failures, the worst of which may have changed bellwether plaintiff Linda Gross’ life permanently. She says that she has suffered through 18 procedures to try and fix the problems Ethicon vaginal mesh caused her, higher than nearly any other side effects victims.
Many of the women, nearly 2,000 in all, have dealt with problems including nerve damage like Gross, as well as organ perforation in the vagina, as a result of the implants. There are also infections and difficulties enjoying sexual intercourse. In a number of cases, this damage is permanent — a risk that many of the plaintiffs said was not addressed. Owens’ testimony not only addresses the failure to warn by Ethicon potentially, but also that the company released a defective product if the jury agrees.
Women who have had problems after receiving vaginal sling implant failures from devices made by other manufacturers should consider their legal options as well. Device makers like AMS and C.R. Bard are also the subject of claims by bladder sling implant failure lawsuit lawyers. However, in the case of AMS, the trial is set to begin this week. It is critical, then, to get a free consultation at the Vaginal Mesh Sling Class Action Lawsuit Investigation.
Acting quickly ensures there are no delays in obtaining the legal remedy that the merits of the case deserve. Get a no-cost legal review and learn whether or not your claim is eligible today.
Updated February 8th, 2013
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2 thoughts onEthicon Knew Vaginal Mesh Erosion ‘Likely,’ According to Testimony
A mesh sling was put in me January 26, 2004 for urinary stress incontinence. Since then, I have had increasing Urge incontinence where the urge and release of urine coincide. :Prolapse appears to be a concern for me as something is flattening my vagina.