Hexagon Health Files Patent Suit Against Medtronic for Hernia Mesh

Hexagon Health and founder Dr. Shirin Towfigh, a leading hernia repair surgeons, filed a lawsuit in Delaware against Medtronic. The lawsuit alleges the medical device manufacturer infringed upon three of Hexagon Health’s patents related to hernia mesh treatment devices.

Medtronic is being accused of copying Hexagon Health’s designed for an inguinal hernia mesh repair device called Dextile, which includes broad coverage with a fin shape to reduce complications after surgery. It further charges Medtronic knowingly kept manufacturing and selling the device even after the U.S. Patent Office formally awarded Hexagon’s patents on Dr. Towfigh’s improved mesh.

“Medtronic’s improper use of Hexagon Health’s hernia mesh designs has cost Dr. Towfigh significant financial gain and created a disincentive for other physician-entrepreneurs to enter the medical device marketplace with innovative products for patients in need,” said Nicholas Groombridge, Hexagon Health’s attorney and partner at Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone LLP. “Medtronic has a history of infringing patents and failing to honor agreements with physician-inventors, and we look forward to addressing this matter in court.”

Dr. Towfigh founded Hexagon Health in 2015 to revolutionize hernia care and prevent surgical hernia complications. Her redesigned inguinal hernia mesh device broadly covers the groin area to reduce complications for patients—especially women, for whom inguinal hernias can be deadly.