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Medtronic ICDs

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are surgically implanted medical devices designed to monitor and treat dangerous heart rhythms and prevent cardiac arrest. Defective ICDs can cause patients to suffer serious injuries or sudden death.

Medtronic, Inc. is one of the leading manufacturers of defibrillators — the company's involvement in cardiac rhythm disease management dates back to 1957. Yet hundreds of thousands of its devices have been recalled following reports of device malfunctions, injuries and even deaths. Worse still, there have been allegations that Medtronic knew about some of the problems but continued to sell the devices without informing patients of safer alternatives.

If you had or have a defective Medtronic defibrillator, you may be entitled to monetary damages that can help you cope with the short- and long-term effects on your health, finances and well-being. Family members of those harmed by Medtronic defibrillators may also be eligible for compensation. Contact an injury lawyer who specializes in personal injury cases to learn more about defective medical device settlements and lawsuits.

Medtronic ICD Defects

If a medical device is found to pose potential health risks, the FDA may decide to issue a recall. A Class I recall generally means there is a reasonable chance of serious injury or death, and a Class II recall generally means there is a reasonable chance a temporary injury could occur and/or a remote chance of serious injury or death.

Wrongful Death

If you have lost a family member because a defective Medtronic defibrillator stopped working, or due to complications suffered during a replacement surgery, you may be able to sue for wrongful death. While each state has its own wrongful death statute, generally the decedent's family may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical expenses incurred when the patient died
  • Funeral expenses
  • The survivor's emotional distress
  • Lost income the family member would have received had their loved one survived (such as income, inheritances and benefits)
  • Punitive damages designed to punish the defendant for wrongdoing

You may wish to speak with a wrongful death attorney who is familiar with the laws in your state to learn more about your legal rights.

Several Medtronic ICDs have been recalled by the FDA because of potential defects, including:

Capacitor Failure. In 2004, the FDA issued a Class 1 recall for 6,268 Micro Jewell II Model 7223Cx and GEM DR Model 7271 ICDs because of a potential defect in the high voltage capacitors. These capacitors may not charge properly, which could delay or even prevent the delivery of therapy. This is a potentially fatal flaw — in fact, at the time of the recall Medtronic knew of one serious injury and four deaths that had occurred as a result of this failure. A claim of wrongful death may be made in certain cases of products liability. Wrongful death attorneys can evaluate your case and help protect your legal rights.

Premature Battery Depletion. In 2005, the FDA issued a Class II recall after Medtronic announced trouble with a subset of the Marquis family of ICDs. Approximately 87,000 devices manufactured between April 2001 and December 2003 were at risk for premature and rapid battery depletion (as little as a few hours) from a short-circuiting problem. This recall applies to the following models:

  • Medtronic Marquis VR, model 7230 Single Chamber ICD
  • Medtronic Maximo VR, model 7232 Single Chamber ICD
  • Medtronic Marquis DR, model 7274 Dual Chamber ICD
  • Medtronic InSync Marquis, model 7277 Dual Chamber ICD with Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
  • Medtronic InSync II Marquis, model 7289 Dual Chamber ICD with Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
  • Medtronic Maximo DR, model 7278 Single Chamber ICD
  • Medtronic InSync III Marquis, model 7279 Dual Chamber ICD with Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
  • Medtronic InSync III Protect, model 7285 Dual Chamber ICD with Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

If you have a Medtronic defibrillator and symptoms of irregular heart rhythm recur, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or a fluttering in the chest, it is possible your ICD is not working properly. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you should seek medical attention immediately. To learn more about your legal rights, contact an attorney with experience negotiating settlements and filing defective medical device lawsuits.

Medtronic ICD Lawsuits

If you have undergone surgery to implant a Medtronic defibrillator that has since been recalled, you may be able to agree on a settlement or sue the manufacturer for compensation under product liability law. In product liability lawsuits connected to the shorting defect, plaintiffs have alleged that for more than a year after Medtronic discovered the shorting defect, the company:

  • Continued to sell devices with the possibly defective battery for implantation
  • Failed to advise patients and physicians about the defect and
  • Failed to inform them that a safer ICD was available

What is Ventricular Fibrillation?

The heart has its own electrical system that regulates its rate and rhythm. If the signals are not working properly, the heart may go into a fast and irregular rhythm called ventricular fibrillation.

Ventricular fibrillation is when the lower chambers of the heart, called the ventricles, quiver instead of contract. When this occurs, little or no blood gets pumped through the heart into the rest of the body.

If the ventricular fibrillation persists and is not treated quickly (for example, by an ICD), symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations or, in severe cases, sudden cardiac arrest can occur. Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms should seek medical attention right away.

In these lawsuits, the plaintiffs claimed theories of negligence, strict liability, and misrepresentation by omission and breach of warranty. Though Medtronic did not admit to any liability for the shorting defect, they agreed to settle 2,682 claims for approximately $100 million.

Depending on your facts and circumstances, you may be able to file your own product liability or other appropriate lawsuit against Medtronic. It is important to know that there are strict deadlines for filing a claim for a defective medical device. Contact a lawyer to learn more about how these laws may apply to you.

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[Last revision: August 4, 2010]



Did You Know?

An estimated 19,000 patients underwent device replacement surgery following Medtronic's warning that the battery, and consequently the device, could suddenly stop working.