More product liability lawsuits occur each year, thanks to too little testing or illegal marketing. Dangerous medical devices like inferior vena cava filters are transvaginal mesh are now at the legal forefront. Many devices head directly to the market using a loophole in the Food and Drug Administration’s approval process. Unfortunately, the consequences can be devastating. Eroding devices, punctured organs, and lifelong pain are among potential side effects. As a result, countless IVC filter lawsuits and transvaginal mesh claims are underway—and this is only the beginning.
Dangerous Medical Devices: IVC Filters
Surgeons implant IVC filters to prevent pulmonary embolism, or blood clots in the lungs. These blood clots can be fatal if left untreated. Surgeons implant these cage-like filters into a vein that returns blood from the body’s lower half. Foreign objects within the patient’s are generally somewhat risky. Devices can move or fracture and subsequently puncture organs, and IVC filters are no exception. The most common IVC filter risks include device migration, organ perforation and filter fracture. While these complications generally occur within two weeks of implantation, many injuries are delayed.
Another inherent IVC filter problem is they often stay in longer than necessary, increasing injury risks. This is largely because many doctors don’t understand how dangerous long-term use is for patients.
Dangerous Medical Devices: Transvaginal Mesh
Another device with its fair share of lawsuits is transvaginal mesh. TVM helps treat organ prolapse, vaginal vault prolapse and urinary incontinence. The mesh supports organs that droop into the bladder and vagina. While this condition mainly affects aging women, it can happen to any woman who’s given birth.
The main problem with pelvic mesh happens after placement. It was approved via the FDA loophole known as the 510(k) process. This process looks at similar, previously approved medical products in lieu of thorough clinical testing. The comparison product for TVM is mesh used in abdominal surgeries that yielded no serious side effects. The difference? While the abdomen’s a considerably “clean” body area, the vagina is often “contaminated.” With a wealth of healthy bacteria, totally sterilizing the surgery zone is virtually impossible. As a result, the device itself can recede through disintegrating wounds – and worse.
The most commonly reported TVM injuries include:
- shrinking (mesh contracting with the vagina, causing pain and scarring)
- erosion (when mesh travels through the vaginal wall)
- pain during normal activities and intercourse
Many women require surgery for these issues. Unfortunately, not even multiple surgeries can remove all surgical mesh. Mesh embeds itself into surrounding tissue so deeply that it cannot be completely excised. If you suffered vaginal mesh complications, you may wish to file a TVM lawsuit.
What You Can Do
If you or someone you know suffered complications from an implanted medical device, you may be have an eligible claim. Look into filing your own IVC filter lawsuit or transvaginal mesh lawsuit. Once you’ve completed a free claim evaluation, a lawyer in your area will contact you to discuss your case.
Jared Heath
Jared Heath is the author of The Sound in the Silence. In his role as an SEO content and digital marketing strategist, Jared was directly responsible for managing DrugJustice.com's editorial calendar and published articles on this website from 2015 to 2016. He is now pursuing a new career as a chiropractor.