Our law firm is representing consumers who have suffered complications from Covidien’s Parietex hernia mesh products. Through years of experience handling these cases, we’ve developed deep insight into both the medical complications and legal challenges faced by patients with Parietex mesh implants.
Quick link > Current Status of the Covidien Cases
The Development of Parietex Mesh
Introduced by Covidien in 1999, Parietex surgical mesh was marketed as an innovative solution for hernia repair surgery. The device was designed to provide structural support and prevent hernia recurrence. Covidien, now a subsidiary of Medtronic, developed this mesh using polyester rather than the traditional polypropylene material used in most surgical meshes.
Critical Design Defects in Parietex Mesh
This change in materials has proven problematic for many patients. The polyester-based design of Parietex mesh exhibits several concerning characteristics that can lead to patient harm. The material tends to shrink after implantation, and its unsealed edges allow fibers to unravel within the body. These loose fibers can stiffen and harden, potentially causing damage to surrounding organs and tissue. Additionally, the polyester material has shown a tendency to weaken over time, leading to tears and structural failures that can necessitate additional surgeries.
FDA Approval Process and Market Entry
Perhaps most concerning is how this product reached the market. Covidien used the FDA’s 510(k) fast-track approval process, which allowed them to bypass human trials before beginning commercial sales. This regulatory shortcut meant that serious design flaws weren’t discovered until patients began experiencing complications. Our experience with these cases has shown that many patients weren’t adequately warned about these potential risks before their surgery.
Covidien Parietex Products in the Litigation
The lawsuits filed over these defective medical devices allege two key issues: the defective design of these products and Covidien’s failure to adequately warn patients about potential risks. The following Covidien hernia mesh products are involved in the litigation:
- Parietex Composite (PCO) Mesh
- Parietex ProGrip Self-Fixating Mesh
- Parietex Optimized Composite Mesh
- Parietex Plug and Patch System
- Parietex Composite Open Skirt Mesh
- Parietex Optimized Open Skirt Mesh
- Parietex Composite Parastomal Mesh
- Parietex Lightweight Monofilament Mesh
- Symbotex Composite Mesh
- Parietene Mesh products
Parietex Mesh Complications
Medical studies have raised significant concerns about hernia mesh products like Parietex, and some medical experts have questioned whether these devices are suitable for permanent implantation in the human body.
Common complications reported with defective hernia mesh:
- Severe chronic pain in the abdomen, groin, or leg areas
- Infections at the surgical site and throughout the body
- Bowel obstruction or perforation
- Mesh erosion through surrounding tissue
- Adhesion of the mesh to internal organs
- Migration of the mesh from the original implant site
- Formation of seromas (fluid pockets) around the mesh
- Nerve damage causing chronic pain and numbness
- Need for revision surgeries to remove or repair the mesh
- Hernia recurrence after mesh failure
These complications can fundamentally alter patients’ lives, often leading to substantial medical expenses and prolonged periods away from work.
The Parietex mesh’s polyester construction presents unique risks compared to traditional polypropylene meshes. While designed to prevent adhesion to internal organs, these protective features often fail.
When the mesh fails, patients can experience severe complications including bowel perforation, organ damage, and serious infections. Many of our clients report chronic pain in their groin, abdomen, or leg areas, while others develop painful fluid collections (seromas) around the implant site. Nerve damage is another serious concern, potentially leading to long-term disability and chronic pain.
Impact on Patients’ Lives
The complications from Parietex mesh can be devastating. Many patients face recurring infections, both at the surgical site and throughout their body. Bowel obstructions, a particularly dangerous complication, often require emergency surgery and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. The mesh may erode over time, leading to internal damage and requiring complex revision surgeries. These complications often result in extensive medical bills, lost wages, and significant disruption to family life.
Status of the Covidien Hernia Mesh Cases
As of January 2025, approximately 1,625 personal injury lawsuits are filed in the consolidated multidistrict litigation (MDL) in federal court in the District of Massachusetts. The lawsuits are titled MDL 3029, In Re: Covidien Hernia Mesh Products Liability Litigation No. II. The Covidien MDL litigation is assigned to federal judge Patti B. Saris.
In early February 2025, the parties will complete general corporate and bellwether case discovery. A bellwether case is a test trial in large lawsuits where a few representative cases are tried first to help predict outcomes and guide settlements or strategies for the remaining cases.
The litigation has involved significant discovery with nearly 2 million documents produced and dozens of corporate depositions in the U.S. and overseas. The litigation is progressing at a steady pace, with expert discovery for the bellwether cases expected to conclude at the end of July 2025.
The parties agreed to pick a settlement mediator and complete mediation discussions by the end of September 2025.
The plaintiff for the first of two bellwether trial cases (out of six total), will be selected in mid-July 2025. The briefing on the timing, order, and manner of trial for the first two bellwether cases is due in early October 2025. With these deadlines, we would expect the first bellwether trials to begin in late 2025 or more likely early 2026. These first bellwether trials will provide important insights into how juries may view these Covidien cases.
Discuss Your Legal Options
If you’ve experienced complications following hernia repair surgery using Covidien mesh products, you’re not alone. Many of our clients have experienced complications including chronic pain, infection, hernia recurrence, and the need for revision surgeries. We’ve helped hundreds of consumers secure compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering.
Contact us for a confidential case and medical record review. Our firm handles these cases on a contingent fee basis, meaning there are no fees unless we obtain compensation for you.
Contact our office to discuss your legal options.