The Mentor ObTape Vaginal Sling was first released in 2003. The device was designed to treat stress urinary incontinence—the loss of bladder control that is typically caused by muscles weakened by childbirth and old age. The device, shaped like a sling or hammock, replaces eroded or weakened muscles in the urethra to support the bladder and reinforces the muscles that control the flow of urine from the body. Many women have had adverse reactions to this device, including impaired healing, vaginal extrusion, and breakdown of the tissue making up the vaginal wall and urinary tract. This tissue erosion manifests as extreme vaginal pain, vaginal discharge, and infections.
Some women have reported that the Vaginal Sling disintegrated and pieces were embedded in the vaginal wall or traveled to other parts of the body, causing additional bleeding and infections.
Women who have undergone implanting and removal of the device have suffered crippling pain and permanent scarring. In addition, the device failed to treat female urinary stress incontinence. The device was taken off the market in 2006.
Mentor, Inc., a manufacturer of other medical devices, has come under fire before. In 2005, three former Mentor employees testified that the company was selling defective breast implants that were “bleeding” silicone oil. The company corrected this malfunction in the samples it provided to physicians, but not in the products that were sold to the general public. This was done despite being warned by the FDA that there were concerns about Mentor’s manufacturing process and quality control.
If you or a loved one has suffered an internal injury as a result of a defective Mentor ObTape Vaginal Sling, it is important to understand that you have legal rights and options. You may be entitled to monetary reimbursement for your injuries and losses. Please contact us today for a FREE, no-obligation consultation with a qualified attorney reviewing matters concerning the Mentor ObTape Vaginal Sling