Complications From Covidien Transvaginal Mesh Implants

The company Covidien manufactures several different types of transvaginal mesh used to treat pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence. While the company has stated that the implants are more effective than traditional corrective surgeries, case studies have revealed that this may not be entirely true. Mesh products may be less effective than traditional surgeries, and their use has been linked to severe health complications.

Covidien has issued multiple statements regarding their reported failure to address the risk concerns related to their transvaginal mesh products; this reported failure has been linked to serious complications. If you or your loved one has suffered complications from a transvaginal mesh, you may be entitled to compensation; it is important to consult an attorney who can help advocate for you.

If you have suffered injuries caused by a transvaginal mesh, you may have a right to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. An attorney can help you recover compensation for the medical bills related to the complications experienced after surgery using a transvaginal mesh. You may also be eligible for compensation for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. The pain and suffering caused by a defective transvaginal mesh can make your life extremely difficult. Not only is there a possibility of physical pain caused by subsequent surgeries, but also the pain of having to live with permanent scarring and health complications.

Covidien manufactured four different transvaginal mesh products designed to treat pelvic organ prolapse or stress urinary incontinence. Unfortunately, many of these transvaginal mesh products have been reportedly linked to serious complications:

• IVS Tunneler Placement Devise
• IVS Tunneler Intra-Vaginal Sling
• IVS Tunneler Surgipro Polypropylene Surgical Mesh
• IVS Tunneler Parietene Polypropylene Mesh

Covidien and other mesh manufacturers have claimed that their products are less invasive and more effective than traditional surgery. This claim, however, has been tested by the multiple reports from patients of complications experienced after using the product:

• Bowel or bladder perforation
• Urethra perforation
• Internal bleeding
• Severe infection of the surrounding organs and tissues
• Septic shock - where a severe infection reaches the bloodstream

Many women who have undergone failed vaginal mesh surgery have required subsequent surgeries to repair the damage. In most cases, doctors will recommend the removal of the failed mesh device. If left untreated, complications from vaginal mesh such as perforations of the bladder, bowel, or urethra can cause organ failure, organ death, and widespread tissue death. When this happens, it can take multiple surgeries to remove the defective mesh fully.

Covidien is one of many manufacturers of transvaginal mesh products that have come under suspicion for the risks associated with the use of their products. Under North Carolina law, product manufacturers who produce, distribute, or sell defective products may be held liable for any injuries resulting from the use of their product. There are three main types of product defects: design defects, manufacturing defects, and labeling defects.

Design defects happen when a manufacturer designs a product in a way that makes it inherently dangerous for ordinary use by consumers. All the products manufactured with design defects are defective due to their design. Vaginal mesh defects appear to be design defects. Those who bring lawsuits against product manufacturers need to prove the following:

• The product was defective, dangerous, or poorly designed. Or it did not have an adequate warning label
• An injury resulted from the use of the product
• The product was used with reasonable care and in the manner intended by the manufacturer

If you have suffered an injury due to a defective product, you must file your claim within two years of learning that you were injured. If you do not file a personal injury lawsuit within that timeframe, you may be barred from recovering damages for your injuries. If you are like many of the people who have experienced complications from a defective mesh product, you likely incurred serious economic and non-economic losses. Between taking time off work, and the expense of medical bills, it can all become overwhelming. It is important to consult an attorney who can review your case and help you get the compensation you deserve.

At Arnold & Smith, PLLC, we understand the stress involved in recovering from a defective vaginal mesh implant. Having to go through a second surgery and live with a lifetime of consequences can be devastating. Our team of personal injury lawyers can evaluate the circumstances of your case and help you decide the best way to move forward. For your convenience and safety, we offer video and phone conferencing. If you prefer an in-person consultation, we have three easy to reach offices in Uptown Charlotte, Monroe, and Mooresville. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.