With Jean-Claude Mas, a breast implant manufacturer, being arrested and charged with ‘Unintentional wounding’, by the French authorities. In connection with a worldwide recall on PIP (Poly Implant Prothese) used in breast augmentation procedures and a multimillion pound earner for Monsieur Mas.

Last December the French government advocated that some 30,000 women should have their PIP implants removed. It had been found that the implants could easily rupture and that more alarmingly were not filled with medical grade silicone. Which Monsieur Mas disputed, say that he had used industrial grade silicon to save on costs, they were found to contain agricultural silicon as well as the industrial compound. They were one of the largest medical implant factories and produced 100,000  prosthesis’ annually, with 80% being made for the export.

Over 2000 French women have already started prosecution procedures against the PIP firm and their cases are being reviewed individually.

It seems that more than 50,000 British women received the PIP implants, 3,000 could possibly be NHS breast cancer reconstruction patients.

At present the NHS is not replacing implants that were carried out by private clinics, unless it is in emergency circumstances. Experts said there is not conclusive evidence that they should be removed immediately, unless they are damaged and this can be ascertained with a scan.

It is the responsibility of the private clinic to give the follow up care for the operation. But many victims are finding that the clinics have reregistered with other private companies or surgeons have moved or retired. This makes aftercare hard to access because the new service providers don’t have an obligation to honour the service. Also the cost involved, not that it should be an issue where health is concerned. But with the French manufacturers, now in liquidation, facing a major lawsuit, recovery of costs incurred for all concerned is going to be a long draw out wait.