Becton Units Accused of Using Harmful Plastic in Hernia Mesh

Becton Dickinson & Co. units allegedly used a plastic in its hernia mesh kits that its supplier deemed unfit for that type of use, according to newly unsealed court filings made public as part of a trial.

The lawsuit was brought by Paul Trevino, a municipal employee in Hawaii, who blames Bard’s Ventralex hernia patch for eroding into his bowel, leaving him in pain and unable to work. Opening arguments in the case started Thursday in state court in Providence, Rhode Island.

Trevino’s lawyers contend Becton’s Bard and Davol units used LyondellBasell Industries NV’s Pro-fax 6523 resin to strengthen ...