Medtronic Leads Failing

A new report indicates that the Medtronic Sprint Fidelis leads may be failing at a higher rate than previously thought. Two cardiac specialists who conducted a study on the leads found that the failure of the Sprint Fidelis leads might be increasing over time--causing serious problems for patients who had the leads implanted.

According to the study, the leads are only functioning in 88 percent of patients who were studied 3 years after receiving the implant. An earlier study, conducted by Medtronic, found that the leads worked in 95 percent of patients 3 years after implantation.

The problem with the Sprint Fidelis leads is that they are prone to fracturing, which can cause some defibrillators to administer unnecessary shocks to the heart, or to not administer any shocks when they would be necessary. Patients who still have the leads implanted are now left to wonder whether they should leave the leads in or have them taken out.

FEB-24-09 Study Finds More Failure of Heart Device [NEW YORK TIMES: MEDTRONIC]

Legal Help

If you or a loved one has suffered damages in this case, please click the link below and your complaint will be sent to a lawyer who may evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation.
Published on Feb-24-09