A unit of Johnson & Johnson reported to a West Virginia Judge that the company is planning to stop worldwide sales of certain vaginal mesh implants following actions filed by more than 600 women claiming the product caused injuries. These devices are threaded into place and claims have been made that the product erodes and shrink over time resulting in pain and injuries.

The implants are used to treat incontinence and shore up weakened pelvic muscles.  The implants that will stop being sold are the Prolift, Prolift+ M, TVT Secur and Prosima systems.

A J&J spokesman said in an e-mail that it’s not recalling meshes already sold or implanted and its decision is not based on any safety concerns. “We came to this decision after carefully considering numerous factors” including “the commercial viability of these products in competitive and declining worldwide markets, the complexities of the regulatory environments in which we operate, and the availability of other treatment options for women.”

A report last year found a fivefold jump in deaths, injuries or malfunctions tied to vaginal mesh for organs that slump, or “prolapse,” because of weakened support. Two months later, an advisory panel urged the FDA to reclassify the devices as “high-risk” products needing human testing.

If you or a family member have been injured from a defective product or medical device, contact the St. Louis  product defect attorneys at Hoffman & Gelfman today for a free consultation.  For over 50 years we have aggressively represented individuals who were injured due to a defective product or medical devise. Call today toll free1-866-298-1020 for a free consultation and let our experience assist you.