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Defective Medical Devices

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Kansas City Defective Medical Devices: Medtronic Sprint Fidelis Defibrillation Leads May Fracture and Cause Serious Injury or Death

On October 15, 2007, the Medtronic Company alerted doctors and patients that it planned to remove its Sprint Fidelis defibrillator leads from the market. Defibrillators are used to regulate a person’s heartbeat. A defibrillator lead is the wire that connects the defibrillator, which is implanted near the shoulder, to the heart. The defibrillator uses the lead to sense the patient’s heart rhythm; when the heart beats abnormally, the defibrillator sends an electronic shock to reset the heart to a normal beat.

The company issued the recall after it received several reports of fractures in the Sprint Fidelis leads. The fractures can cause the lead to send false signals to the defibrillator; this can cause the defibrillator to deliver unnecessary shocks or to not to pace or shock when needed. In some cases, the fractures can cause the defibrillator to stop operating. This puts the patient at risk of injury and wrongful death.

Medtronic has reported that at least 13 patient deaths from the defective medical device and other major complications have occurred after the leads have fractured. However, as many as 3 times more deaths are alleged to be associated with a Medtronic Sprint Fidelis defibrillator leads. In addition, the extra shocks are very painful even when there is no lasting harm.

The following models of Sprint Fidelis Leads have been recalled because they are at risk or fracture:

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

These leads were implanted in more than 268,000 patients. While Medtronic has asked doctors to stop implanting the leads and return all unused leads to Medtronic, they will not pay for procedures to replace functioning leads that patients want taken out to head off potential problems. This means that thousands of patients may still experience a lead fracture.

Patients are advised to consult their doctors regarding their defibrillator leads; if a Sprint Fidelis defibrillator lead was used, they should discuss the best course of action to protect their health.

If you have been injured because of a Medtronic Sprint Fidelis defibrillator lead fracture, you may have a Kansas City defective medical device claim. The Kansas City Defective Medical Device attorneys at Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys can help you file a personal injury claim to cover your medical costs, lost wages, disability and pain and suffering. To learn more contact Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys at 888-348-2616 to schedule a free case evaluation.

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