Atrium ProLite & ProLoop Hernia Mesh Lawsuit

What’s the Problem With Atrium ProLite and ProLoop Hernia Mesh?

The Atrium ProLite and ProLoop surgical mesh implants are polypropylene mono-filament mesh products used during hernia repair surgeries.

According to a Bloomberg publication from 2022, these implants have been plagued by allegations of design defects and safety problems, leading to lawsuits filed on behalf of plaintiffs who had a ProLite or ProLoop mesh implanted and later suffered adverse health complications [1].

What are the Lawsuits Alleging?

Atrium ProLite and ProLoop Hernia Mesh lawsuits allege that the polypropylene material that the mesh implants are made out of is not biologically inert inside the human body.

As stated in a 2023 study published in the Journal Biomedicines, this design flaw causes the body to identify the mesh as a foreign object, triggering an immune system response with severe health consequences [2].

Although polypropylene (PP) is nontoxic, its physical properties demonstrate a significant mismatch between its viscoelastic properties compared to the surrounding tissue, which is a likely cause of complications, the researchers said. In addition, a lack of integration of PP mesh into surrounding tissue over longer periods of follow up is another risk factor for irreversible complications.

Further, lawsuits allege that ProLite and ProLoop mesh implants degrade inside the body, shedding flakes of polypropylene. This results in inflammation and pain as the body attempts to expel the polypropylene flakes.

Hernia Mesh Complications May Have Affected 170,000 Patients: Study

According to a 2018 study published in the British Medical Journal, approximately 170,000 individuals who underwent hernia mesh surgeries from 2012 to 2018 suffered complications [3].

The National Health Service (NHS) in England lacks a consistent policy for the treatment and follow-up care of these patients, as revealed by the investigation.

Between 2012 and 2018, England witnessed around 570,000 hernia mesh operations, as indicated by NHS Digital statistics. Leading surgeons estimate a complication rate ranging from 12% to 30%, suggesting that between 68,000 and 170,000 patients might have experienced adverse effects during this timeframe.

Those who underwent hernia mesh procedures shared their experiences with the program, describing constant pain, sleep difficulties, challenges in walking, and even struggles with basic tasks like picking up a sock. Disturbingly, some patients expressed feelings of despair and suicidal thoughts.

Atrium ProLite and ProLoop Hernia Mesh Lawsuit Status

An increasing number of lawsuits have been filed in recent months against Atrium involving alleged design defects in the company’s ProLite or ProLoop mesh implants. More of these complaints are expected in the coming years, as more patients suffer adverse health complications from their hernia mesh devices.

As stated by the United States Judicial Panel In Dec. 2021, several ProLite mesh plaintiffs filed a motion asking the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Ligation (JPML) to consolidate all pending lawsuits involving the Atrium ProLite and ProLoop mesh into new litigation. The plaintiffs requested the Central District of California as the venue. JPML denied the request for consolidation in April 2022 [4].

On the basis of the papers filed and the hearing session held, we conclude that centralization is not necessary for the convenience of the parties and witnesses or to further the just and efficient conduct of the litigation, JPML said. There is no dispute that these actions share allegations that defects in defendants’ hernia mesh products can lead to various and serious complications.

Atrium C-Qur Hernia Mesh Settlement

In 2021, Atrium Medical agreed to pay $66 million in settlement compensation to settle lawsuits over its C-Qur hernia mesh. The litigation at the end has been stayed pending the finalization of the settlement. The MDL is Atrium C-Qur Hernia Mesh lawsuit MDL (In re: Atrium Medical Corp. C-Qur Mesh Products Liability Litigation – MDL-2753).

Related Article: Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) Lawsuits

See all related medical device litigations our attorneys have covered.

FAQs

What compensation can be sought in these lawsuits?

Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the complications caused by the hernia mesh.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

The statute of limitations varies by state, but it generally ranges from 1 to 3 years from the date of injury or discovery of the injury. It’s important to consult with a lawyer to determine the specific timeframe for your case.

How long will the lawsuit process take?

The duration of a lawsuit can vary widely. Some cases may settle quickly, while others may take several years to resolve, especially if they go to trial.

Can I still file a lawsuit if the hernia mesh has been removed?

Yes, you can still file a lawsuit even if the hernia mesh has been removed. The key factor is whether you experienced complications or injuries due to the mesh.

Get a Free Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Attorneys

The Hernia Mesh Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.

Free Confidential Lawsuit Evaluation: If you or a loved one has been injured by hernia mesh products or other medical devices, you should contact a lawyer immediately for a free consultation. You may be entitled to financial compensation for lost wages and medical bills by filing a lawsuit against the manufacturer and our legal team can help.

References:

1. https://news.bloomberglaw.com/litigation/atrium-prolite-proloop-hernia-mesh-cases-to-proceed-without-mdl
2. https://misuse.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/error/abuse.shtml
3. https://www.bmj.com/content/362/bmj.k4104.full
4. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCOURTS-jpml-1_21-F-03024/pdf/USCOURTS-jpml-1_21-F-03024-0.pdf