Medtronic Recall 2010 News
If you have a Medtronic implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), you may be very concerned about the recent recall of the lead wires that are part of the device. If you or a family member has experienced a lead fracture please contact us for the latest Medtronic recall 2010 news. We are currently continuing to file a Medtronic lead lawsuit on behalf of patients.
The defibrillator is a device that is inserted into the chest and helps regulate the heartbeat. Wires that connect the device to the heart are called leads, and one particular set of leads, under the name of Sprint Fidelis, are more likely to fracture or break. As a result, a person with a fractured lead may receive electric jolts intended to regulate the heart when not needed. Conversely, the device may fail to deliver jolts when needed.
Although Medtronic has notified over 150,000 people in the U.S. who have received this device, this Medtronic lead recall is a difficult one. Often when a product is recalled, such as a food, consumer product or a medicine, the user can simply stop taking it or use an alternate brand. Or, say in the case of an automobile recall, the manufacturer can repair the problem and return the car to the owner.
It’s not so simple in the case of Medtronic. Because the device is implanted, it becomes more difficult and dangerous to operate to replace the leads. Tissue in the body often covers the leads, making them difficult to extract. In some cases, it may be riskier to replace the leads than to leave functioning ones in place. Of the 13 deaths associated with Sprint Fidelis leads, at least four were the result of lead extraction.
So what should a person with a Sprint Fidelis lead do? First, consult with your doctor. He or she can advise you, based on your individual health and heart condition, on your best course of action. If you decide to have the leads extracted, it is important to find a doctor who is experienced in this type of surgery.
If you choose to allow the Sprint Fidelis leads to remain in place, you should know the warning signs of possible fracture. If the device detects an irregular heartbeat, it is designed to give the heart an electric jolt. If your device begins to deliver frequent jolts, see your doctor. Your doctor can run a report from the device to determine if there was an irregular heartbeat at the time of the shock. If so, the device was working appropriately. If not, you may have a malfunction in the device or the lead.
On the other hand, if you are experiencing physical symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, fatigue, or irregular heartbeat and you have NOT been receiving an electric jolt, you should see your doctor to ensure that your ICD is working properly and that there are no other health problems.
Either decision you make will be a difficult one. And although we cannot make that decision for you, we offer free consulting for patients who are navigating this dilemma. We represent all Medtronic lead fracture clients on a contingency basis, which means there are never any legal fees unless we win compensation in your case. For a free-no-obligation consultation, please call toll free or e-mail us to talk with a Medtronic recall lawyer.