Defense Expert May Testify as to Biocompatibility of Polypropylene Mesh at Avaulta TVM Trial, Judge Rules

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — C.R. Bard’s expert Dr. Marshall Austin may testify at an upcoming Avaulta transvaginal mesh trial as to the biocompatibility of the device’s polypropylene mesh, a West Virginia federal judge has ruled, finding his knowledge, training and experience renders him qualified to opine on the subject.

However, in the Feb. 11 order, Judge Joseph R. Goodwin of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia held that Austin may not testify as to whether the Avaulta device has a defective design, finding the subject is beyond his expertise.

Debra Wise was implanted with the …