The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Delaware, alleges that Medtronic unlawfully incorporated patented designs from Hexagon Health founder Dr. Shirin Towfigh into its Dextile Anatomical Mesh, a device used for inguinal hernia repairs. The suit seeks financial compensation, a correction of inventorship on Medtronic’s patents related to the product, and an injunction against further sales of Dextile.
In an emailed statement to MassDevice, Medtronic said, “Medtronic just learned of the case and is reviewing the complaint. Medtronic believes in its innovation and has a long history of respecting the intellectual property rights of other innovators.”
Background of the lawsuit
The dispute centers on the alleged appropriation of Hexagon Health’s patented hernia mesh design, which Towfigh developed to address common complications in hernia repair surgeries. The lawsuit states that Medtronic continued to develop and market its Dextile mesh device based on her patented designs despite ongoing discussions with Towfigh about a potential collaboration, ultimately launching the device without her involvement.
Her mesh includes a unique fin structure that covers critical areas while minimizing the risk of obstructing vital anatomical structures, such as the femoral vein and genital nerve.
“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.”
Towfigh is an experienced surgeon with a focus on hernia repair complications, Hexagon Health said. She has over two decades of experience treating complex hernias and post-surgical pain issues. Her innovations, particularly her redesigned inguinal hernia mesh, have been widely regarded as improving outcomes for male and female patients.
Hexagon Health said the mesh’s fin structure addresses the femoral space. It offers protection that can be critical for female patients who are at increased risk for complications from femoral hernias.
Hexagon Health was founded by Towfigh in 2015 and holds several patents covering these innovations, including U.S. Patent Nos. 11,207,169, 11,219,516, and 11,324,579. Medtronic’s Dextile mesh allegedly infringes these patents by incorporating the same fin design and anatomical coverage, which the lawsuit asserts is a direct copy of Towfigh’s invention.
Hexagon Health’s history with Medtronic
According to the lawsuit, Medtronic’s initial interest in Towfigh’s designs dates back to 2015, when the company approached her for collaboration. During meetings and under a non-disclosure agreement, Medtronic reviewed her patented designs and later expressed interest in pursuing a partnership if she secured formal patent protection.
The lawsuit details that in the years following these discussions, Medtronic filed its patents covering similar concepts and continued developing a product incorporating Towfigh’s design’s key features. Medtronic allegedly launched Dextile in 2020, marketing it as an original product without recognizing Towfigh’s contributions.
Hexagon Health and Towfigh allege the infringement has affected her financially and has harmed her professional standing.
Legal claims and demands
In addition to seeking damages, Hexagon Health’s lawsuit requests a court order to include Towfigh as an inventor on Medtronic’s related patents and to prohibit Medtronic from further marketing the Dextile product in its current form.
Lawyers for Hexagon Health also called for Medtronic’s actions to be declared “willful infringement,” which could result in tripled damages if the court rules in Hexagon Health’s favor.
According to her lawyers, Towfigh, who regularly speaks and advocates for patient-centered innovation in hernia care, seeks to safeguard her intellectual property and encourage other physician-inventors to contribute to the field without fear of exploitation through this lawsuit.
This story has been edited to add comment from Medtronic.
