Medtronic Defibrillator Lead Lawsuit

If you have been diagnosed with an abnormal heartbeat, either too fast or irregular, doctors may suggest you consider an implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) to help regulate the heartbeat. Many heart patients have been concerned about their defibrillator leads following the Medtronic recall in 2007. Some patients and families have looked at filing a Medtronic defibrillator lead lawsuit to help compensate for unpaid medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.

But before you make this decision, it is important to know what a defibrillator does and its effects.

A defibrillator is a small device, about the size of a pager, which is placed inside the chest. Small wires, called leads, from the defibrillator connect with blood vessels in the heart. These wires allow the device to monitor the beating of the heart. If the heartbeat is too rapid or irregular, the device provides an electrical shock that helps the heart to resume a normal pattern.

Certain heart conditions, such as ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation can cause the heart muscle to flutter instead of pump. When this happens, the heart is unable to move blood, which contains essential oxygen, through the body. Ventricular tachycardia can result in faintness, chest pain, weak pulse or dizziness. Ventricular fibrillation is even more serious, and can result in cardiac arrest and sudden death.

When a person has had an episode of irregular heart rhythm, doctors often use a defibrillator to ensure the heart can be monitored at all times and that any disorganized heart activity can be immediately remedied.

However, you should also talk with your doctor about concerns with defibrillators.

Be sure to ask:

•How effective a defibrillator is for your specific heart condition? A recent study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal suggested that defibrillators might not be effective for people with heart failure. It also questioned the effectiveness of defibrillators in elderly patients with additional illnesses such as diabetes, cancer of kidney disease.

•What physical and psychological changes can you expect after the defibrillator is implanted?

•How much discomfort should you expect to feel if the defibrillator delivers a shock?

•What limitations, if any, can you expect after the procedure?

•How can you best prepare for this change in lifestyle?

•How reliable is the proposed defibrillator and its parts? Obviously, you are relying on this device to maintain your health. Knowing if it has had any problems is important. In fact, one defibrillator has recently recalled the wires, or leads, because they could fracture. The Sprint Fidelis wires, manufactured by Medtronic, had a higher tendency to break, which meant they did not always deliver the necessary electrical jolt, or, conversely, delivered an inappropriate level of electricity.

By being knowledgeable of the pros and cons of your treatment, you can take a more active role in your recovery.

About the Author:

John Davidson is author of this article on Medtronic recall. Find more information about Medtronic lawsuit here.