What is the Medtronic Defibrillator and how is it used to treat patients?

The Medtronic Defibrillator is implanted in patients who have been diagnosed with heart conditions that result from irregular heartbeats. The device is designed to restore a normal rhythm pattern to the heart by delivering electrical shocks to the heart when necessary.

What is the defect?

In February 2005, the Medtronic Company recalled several of its implantable heart defibrillator devices, including the Medtronic InSync cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator, Maximo ICD and Marquis ICD models after it was discovered that many of the Medtronic devices were equipped with a defective battery, which caused them to fail suddenly and often with catastrophic consequences. An internal shorting mechanism would cause the battery to deplete. Once the shorting occurred, the battery would deplete over time, anywhere between a few hours to a few days. Many patients who used a defective Medtronic defibrillator were informed by their physicians and had to undergo an additional surgery to replace the original. Some patients, however, were not aware of the defect until the device failed to deliver a required shock to restore a regular heartbeat, which, in some cases led to the death of the patient.

In October 2007, in a separate recall by Medtronic, a serious problem developed with the lead wires, manufactured by Medtronic, and supplied to other manufacturers of defibrillators (Guidant, Boston Scientific, and St. Jude). At that time, sales of the Sprint Fidelis brand of defibrillator lead wires were suspended. In some cases, the leads would split or ''fracture.'' This, in turn, caused false signals to be sent to the defibrillator. The device then delivered inappropriate shocks to the heart.

What are the adverse symptoms caused by the Medtronic Defibrillator defect?

Patients who have implanted devices with defective lead wires report multiple shocks, lightheadedness, fainting or palpitations. This could lead to a defibrillator malfunction, loss of output and, possibly, death of the patient.

Contact a Medtronic Defibrillator Injury Lawyer in Massachusetts

If you or someone you love has been harmed by one of these devices, contact the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone, serving Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and communities throughout Massachusetts, to fight for your rights. We also can represent you if you have been injured in Massachusetts but reside out of state.

Remember, your initial consultation is free, and you don't pay us unless you win.

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