Medtronic Lawyers, Pulaski & Middleman

The Medtronic Defibrillator – What you need to Know

Much has been made in recent years of the ongoing medical advances in regards to several products, medications and surgical techniques. Almost every medical advancement is a good thing, as improved products and heightened knowledge can lead to lives being preserved that would not have been even 20 years ago.

One of the products that’s done so in general is the implanted defibrillator. This product allows for those with heart problems to carry on with their lives with much less stress and worry, and one of the leaders in providing these products is Medtronic, Inc. The company offers a wide range of heart-driven devices, and many of these products have helped people all over the United States.

However, one product in particular that’s offered by Medtronic has created many problems for people who depend on them to maintain their viability. Below is a brief overview of the product and the problem, and if you have been harmed by a Medtronic defibrillator, you need to contact a Medtronic lawsuit lawyer at Pulaski & Middleman today to schedule a free initial consultation.

The Product

Medtronic offers a defibrillator that’s implanted into the patient’s chest, and once it’s inside and working properly, it serves as sort of an ‘overseer’ that makes sure that the patient’s heart continues to beat in proper rhythm. When a patient’s heart begins to beat in an irregular manner, the defibrillator will send a ‘shock’ to the heart much like the hand-held defibrillators that we’ve all seen used by rescue workers. Generally, this product is supposed to work properly for a period of ten years.

The Problem

The problem with this product is centered on one specific part – the Sprint Fidelis wire lead, which is attached to the defibrillator and acts as a conductor of sorts. When the heart falls out of rhythm, the defibrillator senses this and sends the shock discussed above to the heart. This shock is carried by the wire lead.

However, the controversy regarding this product that’s arisen regards the tendency for this wire lead to tear once it’s implanted inside the patient. Obviously, when the wire does not work, the shock never reaches the heart. When the shock doesn’t reach the heart, the heart continues to beat irregularly. A heart that does not beat properly for any extended period of time can be extremely dangerous and ultimately lead to the heart to fail. When the heart fails, the consequences for the patient can be instantaneous and permanent in nature.

If this describes your situation in any way, you need to contact a Medtronic lawsuit lawyer at Pulaski & Middleman immediately to get the process of enforcing your legal rights started.