Design World

  • Home
  • Technologies
    • 3D CAD
    • Electronics • electrical
    • Fastening & Joining
    • Factory automation
    • Linear Motion
    • Motion Control
    • Test & Measurement
    • Sensors
    • Fluid power
  • Learn
    • Ebooks / Tech Tips
    • Engineering Week
    • Future of Design Engineering
    • MC² Motion Control Classrooms
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars
  • LEAP AWARDS
  • Leadership
    • 2022 Voting
    • 2021 Winners
  • Design Guide Library
  • Resources
    • 3D Cad Models
      • PARTsolutions
      • TraceParts
    • Digital Issues
      • Design World
      • EE World
    • Women in Engineering
  • Supplier Listings

A New Wave Of Lawsuits Against Silicone Breast Implants Could Be Coming

By Meagan Parrish | February 8, 2017

Share

Johnson & Johnson’s Mentor Worldwide unit has found itself the subject of a lawsuit alleging that it sold breast implants that have caused a host of health problems for at least one patient.

According to a report in Bloomberg, the lawsuit is the first related to these specific silicone-based implants. It stems from a string of complaints by a woman who says that leaks from the implants gave her muscle pain and nausea.

Silicone breast implants have long been the subject of controversy, perhaps much of it unfounded. In fact, some point to silicone breast implants as a case study in government regulations run amok. 

Mentor MemoryGel breast implant. (Image credit: AP)

In the 1980s, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified the implants “high risk,” despite the ubiquitous use of silicone in a range of medical devices. Tort lawyers soon pounced, leveling thousands of lawsuits against manufacturers and surgeons. The financial pressure of the lawsuits was so massive that Dow Corning, the leading manufacturer of silicone products, ultimately filed for bankruptcy.

Then in 1999 a scientific review of silicone came to the conclusion that the breast implants did not “provide a basis for health concerns.”

Even though the FDA once again began allowing companies to sell silicone breast implants in 2006, the industry was spooked. Today, only three companies — including Mentor — are currently in the market.

This most recent case could trigger a renewed wave of litigation against silicone breast implants, one of the lawyers involved in the Mentor case told Bloomberg.

“We believe the problems with Mentor’s silicone implant are pervasive and may have harmed thousands of women,” the lawyer said. “This suit may be just the tip of the iceberg.”

Lawyers in the case allege that Mentor did not conduct the necessary safety assessments of the implants and did not warn patients about possible health complications. The patient in the case says she suffered extreme fatigue, nausea, skin rashes, and pain after her implants leaked. 


Filed Under: Industry regulations

 

Related Articles Read More >

ids-industrial-camera-manufacturer.sustainability-3
IDS focuses on sustainability in shipping
Part 5: Motion control + MQTT, OPC-UA, and other protocols for cloud services
Facebook CEO Zuckerberg Calls for More Outside Regulation
Musk’s Boring Company Calls it Quits on LA Tunnel, Instead Focuses on Hyperloop

DESIGN GUIDE LIBRARY

“motion

Enews Sign Up

Motion Control Classroom

Design World Digital Edition

cover

Browse the most current issue of Design World and back issues in an easy to use high quality format. Clip, share and download with the leading design engineering magazine today.

EDABoard the Forum for Electronics

Top global problem solving EE forum covering Microcontrollers, DSP, Networking, Analog and Digital Design, RF, Power Electronics, PCB Routing and much more

EDABoard: Forum for electronics

Sponsored Content

  • Global supply needs drive increased manufacturing footprint development
  • How to Increase Rotational Capacity for a Retaining Ring
  • Cordis high resolution electronic proportional pressure controls
  • WAGO’s custom designed interface wiring system making industrial applications easier
  • 10 Reasons to Specify Valve Manifolds
  • Case study: How a 3D-printed tool saved thousands of hours and dollars

Design World Podcasts

May 17, 2022
Another view on additive and the aerospace industry
See More >
Engineering Exchange

The Engineering Exchange is a global educational networking community for engineers.

Connect, share, and learn today »

Design World
  • Advertising
  • About us
  • Contact
  • Manage your Design World Subscription
  • Subscribe
  • Design World Digital Network
  • Engineering White Papers
  • LEAP AWARDS

Copyright © 2022 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy | Advertising | About Us

Search Design World

  • Home
  • Technologies
    • 3D CAD
    • Electronics • electrical
    • Fastening & Joining
    • Factory automation
    • Linear Motion
    • Motion Control
    • Test & Measurement
    • Sensors
    • Fluid power
  • Learn
    • Ebooks / Tech Tips
    • Engineering Week
    • Future of Design Engineering
    • MC² Motion Control Classrooms
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars
  • LEAP AWARDS
  • Leadership
    • 2022 Voting
    • 2021 Winners
  • Design Guide Library
  • Resources
    • 3D Cad Models
      • PARTsolutions
      • TraceParts
    • Digital Issues
      • Design World
      • EE World
    • Women in Engineering
  • Supplier Listings