Recent Medtronic Defibrillator Recall – File a Lawsuit with Our Lawyer – FAQs

In October 2007, Medtronic, Inc. recalled over 253,000 faulty defibrillator leads. The damaged leads are responsible for at least five patient deaths to date, and it is expected that more people will be affected by this dangerous product in the coming months.  Many people who may be at risk of going into sudden cardiac arrest rely on the Medtronic defibrillator to deliver life-saving shocks to the heart.  If you or a loved one has been affected by the Medtronic defibrillator recall, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against Medtronic with the aid of a lawyer from Phillips & Webster.

Patients who have a Medtronic defibrillator are encouraged to discuss replacement options with their doctor and, if necessary, to have the lead removed.  If you are experiencing lightheadedness, fainting, or palpitations, don’t wait to seek medical attention – alert your physician immediately.  To speak with our attorneys about filing a Medtronic defibrillator recall lawsuit, contact a lawyer from our Washington firm today.

• What is a Medtronic Sprint Fidelis Defibrillator Lead?
• How do defibrillators work?
• Which Medtronic defibrillator leads have been recalled?
• What are the risks associated with the recalled leads?

What is a Medtronic Sprint Fidelis Defibrillator Lead?

Manufactured by Medtronic, Inc., Sprint Fidelis leads are specific models of cardiac electrodes (thin wires) that connect an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) directly to the heart. ICDs and CRT-Ds are devices that protect patients when irregular, life-threatening heart rhythms occur.

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How do defibrillators work?

Defibrillators monitor heart rhythms and keep the heart from beating too fast. They deliver an electrical shock to restore normal rhythm when life-threatening, irregular heartbeats are detected. Medtronic defibrillators are surgically implanted for patients who are at risk of sudden cardiac arrest.

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Which Medtronic defibrillator leads have been recalled?

The Medtronic defibrillator recall affects the following models of Spirit Fidelis leads:

• Sprint Fidelis 6930
• Sprint Fidelis 6931
• Sprint Fidelis 6948
• Sprint Fidelis 6949

If you or a loved one has one of these faulty Medtronic defibrillators, contact a lawyer about filing a lawsuit today.

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What are the risks associated with the recalled leads?

Currently, there are over 235,000 defibrillator patients at risk.  The Medtronic Sprint Fidelis defibrillator leads were approved in September 2004, and it is estimated that approximately 235,000 leads have been implanted since their launch. Medtronic estimated that about 2.3 percent of patients with the Fidelis lead, or 4,000 to 5,000 people, would experience a lead fracture within 30 months of implantation. However, this number will likely be higher as the risk of fracture may increase over time.

The most common risks associated with the faulty Medtronic defibrillator are:

• Frequent and unnecessary shocks
• Failure to shock when necessary
• Need to surgically replace leads
• Potential of permanent heart damage
• In extreme cases, wrongful death

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Contact a Medtronic Defibrillator Recall Lawyer at Phillips & Webster

If you are one of the 235,000 patients that has been affected by the recent Medtronic defibrillator recall, you may be able to file a lawsuit with our lawyer.  Contact Phillips & Webster today to find out whether you’re eligible to collect compensation from Medtronic, Inc.      

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