A class action lawsuit was filed against Guidant Corp on behalf of patients implanted with malfunctioning defibrillators made by the company. The devices were recalled after they failed to work properly.
The devices recalled include the VENTAK PRIZM 2DR (Model 1861), the CONTAK RENEWAL (Models H135 and H155) and the VENTAK PRIZM AVT, VITALITY AVT, and RENEWAL 4 AVT ICDs.
According to Guidant’s news release of June 17, 2005, the PRIZM 2 model has had 28 reports of failure and one death in 26,000 devices built before April 2002. The CONTAK model has 15 reports of failure and one death in 16,000 devices built before August of 2004. Both models have a flaw that causes a short circuit, preventing the defibrillator from delivering a shock to a heart in fibrillation.
At this time, the FDA is not recommending that individual patients who have one of the Guidant devices have it removed or replaced.
“This is a decision that should be made by a patient in consultation with his or her physician, based on the specific medical situation of the patient,” the Agency said. “Removal and replacement of the device may pose some risk, so it is important that patients and physicians carefully discuss this matter before making a decision.”
The law firms Weitz & Luxenberg and Seeger Weiss filed the lawsuit.
Cardiac patients who been implanted with any recalled models, those who have undergone replacement surgeries, or who have suffered emotional injuries due to malfunctioning defibrillators may view the law firms’ corporate websites at http://www.weitzlux.com/ andhttp://www.seegerweiss.com for more information.
(via PR Newswire)
7 responses so far ↓
Gonzalo Rivera // Jul 21, 2005 at 3:11 pm
Im from Chile, my name`s Gonzalo Rivera and my pather was implanted with Guidant defibrillator at 2000.
He death in may 2001 with 55 year old.
Can you help me with information or any were to know wath to do. I think the Guidant defibrillator failed.
We have all information respect device implanted to my pather.
Thank you.
terry lee hollabaugh // Jul 24, 2005 at 9:31 am
i had a guidant inplaned in o8/22/2002.and i been in and out of hospital because of this. i fell guidant should be sued.
Frank L: Maxwell // Jul 27, 2005 at 11:32 am
I have the device in my chest supposedly to make my heart regulate better! Model K177, I will find the right model at a later time. However, I believe this is the current device that I have. I am interesting in the Class Action Law Suit regarding this matter. I hve been having problems and I intend to discuss this with my Doctor.
george powers // Jul 31, 2005 at 8:48 pm
i have an implanted vitality avt model# a155. i have had no contact from anyone. my family is very concerned. i am just wondering what to do.
Amber Davis // Aug 7, 2005 at 8:05 pm
My husband had his defibulator put in Jan. 2004.His model # is A155. He has been shocked many times and sometimes multiple shocks,He hasn’t really felt well since the devise was put in.generally weak and tired and naushish .He also feels like a walking time bomb. We went to his cardiologist and no events recorded past 3 months. no reprogramming was done and no reccomendations for relacement.If you have a155 and have had difficulty. like my husband, please contact us and advise. Thank you amberdavis44@yahoo.com
Mary Long // Aug 31, 2005 at 10:13 am
My husband had a defrillator inplanted in Feb of this year and he died May 9th, 2005. His blood pressure NEVER WENT DOWN EVEN AFTER TELLING AND FAXING THE CARDIOLOGIST OF THE PROBLEM!
paula iannone // Sep 21, 2005 at 7:07 am
my H135 defibrillator was implanted in march of ‘03 . it is tested every 3 mos. and seems to be doing o.k. however, the doctor who implanted it is strongly suggesting that i have it replaced. Can i still be part of the class action suit
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