Taking action after another implant scare

Recent news that yet another implant scare had hit the sector was disappointing to say the least

Following the announcement that some of Silimed’s implants were contaminated by unknown particles, the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) suspended CE certification for all medical devices manufacturers by the Brazilian company.

Stressing that at the time there was no indication that the implants posed a threat to patient safety, anyone using a product from the company was advised to seek professional assistance. More than 20,000 women were thought to have had Silimed products implanted.

Following the PIP scandal some years ago, which affected around 50,000 women in the UK and 400,000 globally, measures were taken to prevent a repeat. This included a national register logging each breast implant operation and a re-visiting of the way in which implants were marketed. The training of surgeons also came under the spotlight.

Of course, for an industry that works to constantly improve standards and products, not one but two implant scandals within memory of each other is something of a blow.

For businesses are working legitimately and according to global regulations, it is right and proper that health bodies such as the MHRA react in this way where companies may be allegedly manufacturing sub-standard products. The medical plastics sector is at the forefront of devices aimed at improving the health and well-being of us all. Where there may be a threat to this, it’s reassuring for both patients and industry to see positive action being taken.