Are you experiencing pain, infection, or complications after a hernia repair surgery with Covidien mesh? You’re not alone. Thousands of patients across the country are facing similar challenges, and many are taking legal action.
Understanding Your Situation
If you’ve had a hernia repair using Covidien’s Parietex or other mesh products and are experiencing complications, you deserve answers. While most hernia mesh implants succeed, some patients develop serious complications that can significantly affect their quality of life.
The most common complications include:
- persistent or chronic pain
- infections that don’t respond to antibiotics
- mesh migration or movement
- adhesions where mesh sticks to internal organs
- bowel obstruction or perforation
- the need for revision or removal surgery, and
- hernia recurrence despite mesh placement.
Experiencing These Complications?
What Makes Parietex Mesh Different?
Covidien’s Parietex mesh products are distinct from many other hernia mesh products on the market because they’re primarily made from polyester rather than polypropylene. The Parietex Composite mesh features a polyester base with a resorbable collagen film on one side, designed to prevent adhesions when placed against internal organs.
While this design was intended to reduce complications, many patients have reported serious issues. The polyester material may shrink over time, potentially causing the mesh to pull away from the tissues it was attached to. The collagen barrier may also absorb too quickly, leaving the mesh exposed and increasing the risk of adhesions to internal organs.
Current Status of Covidien Mesh Litigation
The Covidien hernia mesh litigation has evolved into one of the most significant mass tort actions in the medical device sector. As of May 2025, over 1,800 lawsuits against Covidien are consolidated in a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL No. 3029) in the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts under Judge Patti B. Saris. This federal MDL was established in 2022 after an earlier attempt at consolidation was denied in 2020 when there were fewer cases.
The litigation has grown substantially, with over 6,000 more cases pending in Massachusetts state courts, primarily in Suffolk County, and about 500 more cases in Minnesota state court, where Medtronic (Covidien’s parent company) is headquartered.
The litigation is in an advanced discovery phase, with nearly 2 million documents produced and many corporate depositions conducted both in the United States and overseas. Expert discovery is ongoing, with important deadlines approaching in summer 2025.
The first bellwether trial, Patterson v. Covidien, involving complications from Symbotex polyester mesh, is scheduled to begin in February 2026, with pretrial submissions due in January 2026. These initial trials will test legal theories and gauge jury reactions, potentially influencing settlement discussions.
Court-ordered mediation is underway with a deadline of September 22, 2025. The court has mandated that parties work with a settlement mediator to explore resolution before the first trials begin. This mediation process may determine whether these cases reach a global settlement or continue through the trial process.
Covidien Products at the Center of Litigation
The litigation primarily focuses on Covidien’s polyester-based mesh products, including:
- Parietex Composite (PCO) Mesh – Combines polyester with an absorbable collagen barrier designed to prevent adhesions but may absorb too quickly
- Parietex ProGrip Self-Fixating Mesh – Features thousands of microgrips that can cause excessive scarring and complications
- Parietex Plug and Patch System – Used for smaller hernias but can cause unique complications related to its shape and placement
- Parietex Optimized Composite Mesh – An evolved version with similar issues to the original composite design
- Parietex Lightweight Monofilament Mesh – Despite being “lightweight,” still presents issues related to polyester material
- Symbotex Composite Mesh – A newer generation product involved in the upcoming bellwether trial
The primary focus is on these polyester products, though some cases, particularly those in Minnesota state court, involve polypropylene-based products like the Parietene Mesh.
Have There Been Any Recalls?
Unlike some hernia mesh manufacturers who have issued broad recalls, Covidien’s recall history has been limited and targeted. Most Parietex products remain on the market today, but there have been specific recalls that justify attention.
In October 2018, Covidien recalled about 7,333 units of Parietex Composite Parastomal Mesh due to specific manufacturing concerns. Later, in January 2021, the company recalled 129 units of Hydrophilic Anatomical Mesh due to packaging mislabeling issues that could affect product sterility.
These limited recalls differ significantly from the widespread safety concerns alleged in the thousands of lawsuits. The absence of a comprehensive recall does not mean these products are free from potential defects. Plaintiffs’ attorneys argue that the limited nature of these recalls shows Covidien’s reluctance to acknowledge broader design issues with their hernia mesh products, particularly those made with polyester materials. The lawsuits are one-way patients are trying to address these concerns beyond the regulatory recall system.
FDA Clearance and Safety Concerns
Most hernia mesh products, including Covidien’s Parietex line, entered the market through the FDA’s 510(k) clearance process. This process lets devices be marketed without rigorous clinical trials if they’re considered “substantially equivalent” to already-approved devices. Critics argue this process doesn’t adequately test for long-term safety, especially for implantable medical devices.
The Parietex Composite mesh received FDA 510(k) clearance in 1999, with later variations approved in the following years. Despite this clearance, lawsuits allege that the company knew or should have known about potential complications but did not adequately test the products or warn doctors and patients.
Why Polyester Mesh Is Different
What makes the Covidien litigation unique among hernia mesh cases is its focus on polyester-based products. While other major mesh manufacturers like Ethicon and Bard primarily use polypropylene in their products, Covidien’s Parietex line prominently features polyester mesh. Plaintiffs allege that polyester mesh presents distinct problems including:
- Greater susceptibility to degradation and fragmentation over time
- Higher rates of chronic infection, especially with multifilament polyester designs
- Excessive shrinkage that can cause pain and organ damage
- Premature breakdown of the protective collagen barrier, leading to adhesions
Plaintiffs claim that Covidien knew or should have known about these issues but did not adequately warn surgeons and patients about the specific risks associated with polyester mesh products.
Complications and the Patient Experience
For many patients, complications don’t appear right after surgery. Problems often develop months or even years later, making it difficult to connect symptoms to the mesh implant. Patients typically report:
- Pain that becomes progressively worse rather than better
- Feelings of stiffness, pulling, or foreign body sensation in the surgical area
- Recurring infections or unexplained fever and inflammation
- Digestive issues, constipation, or bowel irregularities
- The need for more surgeries to remove or revise the mesh implant
These complications can be debilitating, affecting your ability to work, enjoy activities, and maintain your quality of life. They can also result in significant additional medical expenses and lost income.
Legal Theories and Allegations
Plaintiffs in the Covidien mesh litigation allege several legal claims, including:
- Design defects: Claims that the polyester material and product design are inherently flawed
- Manufacturing defects: Allegations that products were not consistently produced to specifications
- Failure to warn: Arguments that Covidien did not adequately disclose known risks to doctors and patients
- Negligence: Claims that the company did not properly test the products before marketing
- Breach of implied warranties: Arguments that the products were not suitable for their intended use
These legal theories are supported by internal company documents that have been produced during discovery, expert testimony about the properties of polyester mesh, and medical evidence from affected patients.
Who Qualifies for a Covidien Mesh Lawsuit?
If you’ve had hernia repair surgery with a Covidien mesh product and experienced complications and a revision surgery, you may qualify to file a lawsuit. Key factors that strengthen your case include:
- Documented use of a Covidien/Parietex mesh product
- Evidence of complications such as pain, infection, or mesh failure
- Medical records showing treatment for these complications
- Revision or explant surgery to remove or replace the mesh
- Filing within your state’s statute of limitations
Even if your surgery occurred many years ago, you may still have a valid claim if your complications were recently discovered or diagnosed. The statute of limitations typically begins when you knew or should have known that your complications were related to the mesh.
How We Can Help
If you’re experiencing complications after receiving a Covidien hernia mesh implant, we can help you understand your legal options. Our experienced team has helped countless patients seek compensation for their injuries.
We understand that dealing with mesh complications is physically and emotionally challenging. You don’t have to navigate this complex situation alone. We offer:
- Free, confidential case evaluations
- Help obtaining and reviewing your medical records
- Clear explanations of your legal options and potential compensation
- Representation by attorneys experienced in hernia mesh litigation
- No fees unless we recover compensation for you
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have a Covidien mesh product?
You can check your surgical records or operative report, which should list the specific product used in your surgery. These reports should be readily available to you through your medical providers electronic patient portal. We can help you obtain and review these records.
How long do I have to file a claim?
The statute of limitations varies by state, typically ranging from 1-4 years from when you first discovered a problem related to your mesh. Don’t delay – contact us for a consultation to understand the deadlines in your state.
What compensation might be available?
Compensation may cover medical expenses, revision surgeries, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to your injuries. While each case is unique, some hernia mesh cases have resulted in substantial compensation for affected patients.
What makes a strong Covidien mesh case?
The strongest cases typically involve documented complications requiring revision or removal surgery, and clear medical record evidence that the complications are related to the mesh. If you are suffering after receiving a Covidien hernia mesh, we will carefully evaluate your situation and medical records.
Will the cases settle or go to trial?
A court-ordered mediation process is underway and scheduled to conclude by September 2025. And while other hernia mesh manufacturers have agreed to settle the cases against them, it’s too early to predict an outcome in the Covidien cases.
The first bellwether trials are scheduled for early 2026 will provide important insights into how juries respond to the evidence. Many mass tort cases ultimately resolve through settlement, but we prepare every case as if it will go to trial.
Take the Next Step
Don’t suffer in silence. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your situation and potential legal options. Our experienced team is ready to listen to your story and help you determine the best path forward.
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