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Medtronic Recalled Defective Defibrillator Lead

Dec 4, 2007 | Jennifer Moore | Injury Board

These electronic wires are prone to fracture in a small number of patients which can cause the defibrillator to deliver unnecessary shocks or not operate at all. Based on our initial review of reported adverse events, some deaths and major complications have occurred after the leads have fractured.

Medtronic announced it was voluntarily suspending distribution of its Sprint Fidelis defibrillation leads because a small number of fractures have been detected. As a result of Medtronic's action, no more Sprint Fidelis leads will be sold or manufactured and any remaining product should be pulled from inventory and returned to the company. Patients who are implanted with this lead are encouraged to contact their physicians for further information.

Medtronic first notified physicians in March about the fracture rate at that time and the proper method for implantation. Additional data on adverse events accumulated since then has prompted today's action.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy-Defibrillators (CRT-Ds) are used to treat abnormal heart rhythms that can cause the heart to stop suddenly. ICDs and CRT-Ds shock the heart back into normal rhythm by sending a pulse of energy through an electronic wire or lead that is connected to the heart.