23 octobre, 2006 17:49

Silicone gel breast implants approved for return to Canadian market

12:24:15 EDT Oct 20, 2006

Canadian Press: HELEN BRANSWELL

TORONTO (CP) - Health Canada has agreed to lift restrictions on the distribution and use of silicone gel breast implants.

The controversial products were pulled from the Canadian market by their manufacturers in 1992, in the face of a growing chorus of health concerns over their use.

But in recent years manufacturers and women who would like to use the devices have been petitioning Health Canada to allow their return to the Canadian market.

The regulatory agency said Friday it will let plastic surgeons use silicone gel implants in surgeries to augment breasts or reconstruct breasts removed in the treatment of cancer.

The decision followed a review by a panel of scientific experts as well as public hearings into the issue.

Silicon breast implants were pulled from use in Canada and the United States after thousands of women launched class action lawsuits alleging leaking and rupturing implants caused auto-immune diseases and heart conditions.

Despite the ban, many women in this country have had silicone gel devices implanted in recent years under a special release program intended to give patients access to non-approved drugs or devices.

Health Canada says under that program, 10,000 silicone gel breast implants have been approved over the past two years.