Find a Qualified Attorney Near You
Find a Qualified Attorney Near You
Search by legal issue and/or location
Enter information in one or both fields. (Required)
Medtronic Defibrillator Recent News
Created by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and editors
| Last reviewedThis article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.
October 15, 2007: Warning on Faulty Defibrillator Component
Defibrillator manufacturer Medtronic Inc. warned patients and health care providers that an electrical wire (called a”lead”) that links the defibrillator to the heart could fracture. Medtronic announced that it is voluntarily suspending all distribution of the”Sprint Fidelis”leads. Medtronic defibrillators have included the Fidelis lead since 2004. According to a Press Release from Medtronic, Inc., the estimated 268,000 patients who have been implanted with Sprint Fidelis leads might experience lead fractures as”audible alerts, inappropriate shocks and/or loss of output,”and the company has identified five deaths”in which a Sprint Fidelis lead fracture may have been a possible or likely contributing factor.”Medtronic is not recommending replacement of the leads, because risks posed by implanting of a different lead are greater than risks presented by fracture of the Sprint Fidelis lead.
- Press Release from Medtronic, Inc.
- Important Patient Information on Sprint Fidelis Leads from Medtronic, Inc.
- FDA Statement on Medtronic Announcement
November 28, 2006: Court Denies Request to Dismiss Medtronic Suits
Medtronic, Inc. announced that a Minnesota District Court has denied its request to dismiss numerous defective product lawsuits over the company’s recalled implantable heart defibrillators. Medtronic has argued that U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations (and the FDA’s approval of the defibrillators) should preempt the lawsuits. Although Medtronic plans to appeal the decision, the court’s denial of the company’s request for dismissal could lead to out-of-court settlement of some claims.
August 18, 2006: Medtronic Sued Over Faulty Pacemaker
A West Virginiaresident filed suit against Medtronic, Inc. alleging that the battery poweringhis pacemaker could fail at anytime, a possibility that the company acknowledgedin 2005. The plaintiff had the Marquis DR ICD Model 7274 implanted in 2002, andwas told that the battery would last for 25 years.
February 11, 2005:Medtronic Issues Notification on Certain Defibrillators
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced thatMedtronic has issued a notification regarding certain implantable defibrillatormodels. Medtronic voluntarily advised physicians about a potential batteryshorting mechanism that may occur in a subset of implantablecardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) and cardiac resynchronization therapydefibrillator (CRT-D) models. Click here toread more from the FDA.
Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?
- A lawyer can help seek fair compensation on your behalf
- Accident and injury claims are complex and insurance carriers have lawyers on their side
Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions about your accident. Many attorneys offer free consultations.
Stay up-to-date with how the law affects your life
Enter your email address to subscribe

Enter your email address to subscribe
Learn more about FindLaw’s newsletters, including our terms of use and privacy policy.
You Don’t Have To Solve This on Your Own – Get a Lawyer’s Help
Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.
Next Steps
Contact a qualified product liability attorney to make sure your rights are protected.
Enter information. (Required)