FBI Investigates Ethicon’s Power Morcellator Knowledge Following Uterine Cancer Lawsuits

January 13, 2016 – – Banville Law reports on a story released by The Science Times which discusses the investigation into whether or not Johnson & Johnson (Ethicon) was previously aware of the harm that their power morcellator tool could cause. The article states that pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson is now under FBI investigation due to allegations that they had prior knowledge about the cancer-spreading dangers that have been linked to their power morcellator medical devices.

Though the devices were originally intended to provide a less invasive alternative to open surgeries for hysterectomies and myomectomies involving uterine fibroids, many now allege that the procedure actually exposes and spreads dangerous and even fatal uterine cancers among patients who undergo it.

Power Morcellator tools are inserted into the abdomen through a small incision, where they rapidly spin shredding blades designed to cut up uterine fibroid tissue into small pieces so that it can later be removed through a small, suctioning tube on the front of the device. Plaintiffs involved in the ever-increasing number of lawsuits surrounding the devices, however, allege that as the tool shreds apart tissue, it can uncover previously undetected cancer cells. In addition, they allege that the spinning motion of the tool then spreads and therefore accelerates these cancer cells, creating a widespread, high-grade cancer diagnosis post-surgery, and significantly impacting the life expectancy of the patient.

The article indicates that the FBI’s investigation specifically centers around how long Johnson & Johnson may have been aware of this cancer spreading danger, before they took action. After a 2014 safety warning regarding the device by the FDA, the company ceased all production of the tools and recalled those currently in use and on the market. However, many indicate that this action should have taken place years before, as complaints connecting the device to the spreading of cancer and even death have been noted from 10 or more years ago.

According to the article: “With the investigation ongoing, details from the FBI have been scarce, but it appears complaints from medical personnel about the potential dangers of the morcellator have been ongoing for years. By law, manufacturers, doctors, and hospitals are required to notify the FDA of any potential harmful effects of medical products. Physicians involved in the investigation claim they notified Johnson & Johnson as far back as 2006 about the dangers of using the morcellator on women at high risk for cancer.”

During the FDA’s 2014 safety warning, they estimated that approximately 1 out of every 350 women who currently undergo laparoscopic power morcellation for fibroid removal may have unsuspected uterine sarcomas. If encapsulated within a uterine fibroid, the cancer cells are virtually impossible to detect prior to surgery.

As cases against various power morcellator devices continue to surge, the attorneys at Banville Law are working to help those who have suffered. All women who have undergone power morcellation and who were later diagnosed with cancer may qualify for legal action and significant compensation. To help these women and their families seek justice, Banville Law is currently offering them free legal consultations.

To ask questions or request further information on power morcellation lawsuits, please contact Banville Law by calling (888) 997-3792.

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Contact Banville Law:

Laurence Banville, Esq.
888-997-3792
info@banvillelaw.com
165 West End Avenue, #1H
New York, NY 10023
United States (US)

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