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Mentor ObTape Trans-Obturator Tape Litigation
Stress urinary incontinence is a disorder that afflicts millions of people, most women. This condition is usually caused by a weakness in the muscles of the bladder and urethra. Many women are prone to suffer from this condition after childbirth. For many years, surgeons have utilized vaginal slings to treat this condition and reinforce the weakened muscles to help control urinary bodily function.
In 2003, the Mentor Corporation introduced into the market the Mentor ObTape Trans-obturator Tape, a pubourethral support sling, used in Trans-Obturator surgical procedures to treat stress urinary incontinence. Almost immediately after its implantation in many patients, numerous amounts of serious adverse complications were reported. The most common of these complications were vaginal erosion, vaginal extrusions, and impaired healing.
Unlike similar devices, the Mentor ObTape Vaginal Sling is made from small pored, non-woven fibers. This defective design provided for a high rate of complications in patients implanted with the device. Because of its design, the device after implantation would push through the vaginal wall leading to its erosion and extreme pain, vaginal discharge and infection for many patients. The design also prevented vital nutrients and oxygen from reaching the tissue thereby causing the surgical site to not properly heal. Other injuries include abscess or serious infection. In most cases, further surgical procedures were necessary for removal of the device and repair.
The Journal of Urology published results from a study done at the Continence Center at Virginia Mason Medical Center on women implanted with the Mentor ObTape Vaginal Sling versus those who were implanted with another brand of sling, AMS Monarc. A little over thirteen percent of the 67 women who received the Mentor sling suffered from vaginal extrusions. Others developed chronic vaginal discharge and one developed an abscess. Each of these patients had to have the device removed. None of these complications were experienced by those women implanted with the other brand of sling.
Due to these adverse events, the Mentor ObTape Vaginal Sling was taken off the market in 2006. A number of patients have filed lawsuits for various injuries associated with this device. The law firm of Alley, Clark, Greiwe & Fulmer is currently investigating claims involving this particular sling device. Please contact us for more information regarding your legal rights.