Medtronic Defibrillators & Pacemakers
A pacemaker is a device installed in patients with
heart problems to keep their heart beating at a proper
rate, in particular, to keep their heart rate from
dropping too low. An Implantable Cardioverter
Defibrillator (ICD) is a device that is larger than a
pacemaker that does the same job. It can also send a
lifesaving shock to the patient in times of cardiac
arrest. Needless to say, both pacemakers and
defibrillators are important medical devices and are
expected to be of the highest quality and dependability.
When such devices fail due to defects or oversights,
companies who sell or manufacture these devices need to
be held accountable.
In April 2004, Medtronic Inc. announced that it was
recalling two heart defibrillators that were linked to
at least four deaths and one injury. Medtronic said that
its Micro Jewel II Model 7223Cx and its GEM DR Model
7271 failed to charge properly, which can result in the
late delivery or non-delivery of cardiac shock therapy.
In February 2005, Medtronic issued a nationwide recall
on its ICD and Resynchronization Therapy (CRT-D) devices
with batteries. The recall was made due to the discovery
that the batteries could possibly short-out and create a
life threatening situation for patients. An estimated
87,000 products have been affected and over 13,000
patients have had the devices surgically removed.
The models at risk were manufactured from April 2001
through December 2003. They include the following:
- Model 7230 Marquis VR
- Model 7274 Marquis DR
- Model 7232 Maximo VR
- Model 7278 Maximo DR
- Model 7277 InSync Marquis
- Model 7289 InSync II Marquis
- Model 7279 InSync III Marquis
- Model 7285
Medtronic was also forced to issue a recall between 2001
and 2003 for more than 16,000 defibrillators. In recent
news, Medtronic recalled their Sprint Fidelis lead, an
important part of implantable defibrillation devices.
The lead is a thin wire that runs from the defibrillator
to the heart and allows the defibrillator device to
monitor the patient’s heartbeat and deliver a lifesaving
electrical shock, if necessary. The recall was ordered
after some of the leads fractured or broke, causing the
devices to malfunction. At least five deaths were
reported.
When dealing with large companies who have monetary
resources and high priced lawyers at their disposal, you
need competent, experienced lawyers at your side.
Peterson & Associates is a highly aggressive and
successful mass-tort and personal injury law firm. The
firm has successfully resolved thousands of cases
dealing with pharmaceutical and medical device
manufacturers.
If you or someone you know has been injured by a
Medtronic device, including their Implantable
Cardioverter Defibrillators, pacemakers, or
defibrillator leads, please contact the law offices of
Peterson & Associates immediately. Our attorneys can be
reached for a free consultation by calling
1-816-LAW-FIRM or by
clicking
here to fill out a form online.
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