C.R. Bard was established in 1907 by Charles Russell Bard. They originally focused on treating urinary discomfort, but later expanded to include vascular, oncological, urological and surgical care. While the company has created numerous successful products, it’s reputation has been tarnished in recent years. In 1993, the company plead guilty to 391 criminal charges in a medical fraud case regarding faulty heart catheters. In 2008, C.R. Bard’s transvaginal mesh product Avaulta Plus was approved by the FDA through the 510(K) process.

Transvaginal Mesh Devices

Transvaginal mesh is a synthetic or biologic material permanently implanted in women to repair pelvic organ prolapse (POP) or to support the urethra as a treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI), conditions which arise when the vaginal wall and other supporting muscles have been weakened. This weakening often occurs as a consequence of pregnancy and childbirth, and may also arise from other factors, including aging.

In some cases, the treatment works as planned and women experience dramatically improved quality of life through a relatively mild surgery. However, in many cases, the mesh shrinks once inside the vagina, causing vaginal shortening, tightening, and intense pain. Another more serious possibility is that part of the mesh material does not get absorbed into the tissue as intended and instead remains free inside the pelvic area. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that transvaginal mesh may cause complications such as the erosion of the product into surrounding areas of the pelvis and perforation of pelvic organs.

Recall

In July of 2012, C.R. Bard stopped selling Avaulta Plus. The company claims the decision was made for commercial reasons, though many suspect Bard was motivated by the hundreds of claims brought against the company for debilitating complications from the product.

Lawsuits

C.R. Bard was involved in one of the first transvaginal mesh jury verdicts. In 2012, Christine Scott sued C.R. Bard after their Avaulta mesh implant caused serious damage and required her to get eight revision surgeries post-implant. Scott was awarded millions in damages.

Currently, close to 2,000 federal Bard lawsuits have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation in West Virginia that includes many other transvaginal mesh manufacturers.

We Can Help

If you or a loved one had transvaginal mesh implantation and developed complications, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Recovery may include compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and loss of spousal consortium. Avram Blair & Associates P.C. is headquartered in Houston, Texas but handles transvaginal mesh cases nationwide. To find out if you have a claim, please call Avram Blair & Associates P.C. at 919-729-5152?? or contact us online for your free consultation.