Medtronic Lawsuits | Medtronics Defibrillator Lawsuit News

It is estimated there are 150,000 heart patients throughout the United States affected by the Medtronic lead recall who have a recalled defibrillator lead wire and are at risk of a lead fracture. Medtronic lawsuits continue to be filed on behalf of patients who have suffered a lead fracture. The Medtronic Sprint Fidelis leads were removed from the market by Medtronic on October 15, 2007 due to the reporting of fractures in some wires and patients deaths associated with the defibrillator leads. Approximately 268,000 Medtronic leads were implanted in patients around the world. Medtronics Sprint Fidelis defibrillation leads were recalled because the leads (electronic wires) are prone to fracture or break.

If you or a loved one has suffered from a lead fracture and had to undergo an additional surgery please contact us for the latest Medtronics defibrillator lawsuit news. We are continuing to fight for patients who have been affected by these defective Medtronic heart leads.

What is Ventricular Tachycardia?

Ventricular tachycardia is a fast heartbeat in that originates in the ventricles of the heart. With tachycardia, the heart can beat 100 times per minute. This episode is diagnosed as tachycardia if it lasts more than 30 seconds and if the heartbeats are fast, but regular. Because of the rapid heartbeat, the ventricle is not able to fill with blood properly, and enough blood is not pumped through the heart and throughout the body.

What Causes Ventricular Tachycardia?

Ventricular tachycardia is usually caused by previous heart damage from scar tissue after a heart attack, a congenital heart defect, an infection such as myocarditis, or an inflammation such as cardiomyopathy. It can also occur after heart surgery or after using medicines to adjust the heart rhythm.

Occasionally, ventricular tachycardia is unrelated to a pre-existing heart condition and occurs because of an imbalance of electrolytes or potassium, or due to a lack of oxygen.

What are the Symptoms?

A person with ventricular tachycardia may notice an abnormally fast heart rate. With an insufficient amount of blood delivering oxygen through the body, a person may feel dizzy, lightheaded or faint. He may experience pain (angina) in his chest, shortness of breath or a weak pulse.

Someone with symptoms of ventricular tachycardia should get help immediately, since this condition could develop into a very serious condition called ventricular fibrillation, which can cause sudden death.

Diagnosing Ventricular Tachycardia

In order to effectively treat a rapid heartbeat, the cause of it must be determined. Doctors will perform a number of tests to pinpoint the source of the problem. An electrocardiogram (also called EKG or ECG) tracks the electrical activity in the heart over a period of time, often 24 hours. An echocardiogram uses ultrasound technology to create a clear picture of the heart in order to show how well it is functioning.

Treatment Options for Ventricular Tachycardia

If the cause of ventricular tachycardia is a heart problem (as opposed to a temporary imbalance of fluids or electrolytes), it is vital to keep the heartbeat from becoming too rapid or irregular.

Doctors may prescribe antiarrhythmic medicines, beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers to help regulate the heart.

Alternatively, doctors may insert an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in the patient’s chest, on or near the heart. This small device monitors the heart rate and provides electrical shocks if it detects a need to adjust the heart rate.

While ICDs are often used safely, a recall of the Sprint Fidelis leads used in Medtronic’s defibrillator is causing great concern among patients. These leads, or wires, which have been used in nearly a quarter million ICDs, have shown a higher rate of breakage, which means that the ICD may not shock a heart when needed, or conversely, may provide too great a shock unnecessarily.

If you have a Medtronic defibrillator using Sprint Fidelis leads, you should be aware of your medical and legal options including the option of filing a Medtronic lawsuit. Please contact us for a free no-obligation consultation from a Medtronic recall attorney.