Medtronics pacemakers recalled

NascarfanMary · Jan 27, 2007

Has anyone heard that some medtronics pacemakers have been recalled. I called a number I saw on TV because I was scared to death when I heard. So I checked and gave then my model number. I found out that Medtronics knew that they weren't working proplerly but allowed certain models to be implanted. The law firm that I called phone number is 1-800-241-9779 located in Birmingham, Alabama. I will receive some forms to fill out to send back. I also think that there is some information at Medtronics website. Don't quote me. But as soon as I hear back I will forward it to you. I hope and pray that I don't have to have a new pacer put in. That would be Number 3 for me since 2003. The latest pacer is a InSync III rescynchronize pacemaker ( helps with heart failure) So I will pass along what information I get. If any of you know anything more, please contact me. Thanks!!

Kathleen · Jan 27, 2007

I don't think I would place alot of faith in an 800 number that I saw on tv. The best place to check is Medtronics itself of your cardios office. Rest easy with the Insync Resynchronization it has been a good pacer in the past. I have one in my jewel box and she saved my life one day.

tobagotwo · Jan 27, 2007

The lawyers with the 800 number have one slant on it. See below from a help group for medical legal issues http://www.resource4thepeople.com/defectivemedicaldevices/medtronic.html
(red highlight mine):

Medtronic recalled about 28,000 pacemakers worldwide because the wire could separate from the battery. Most of the pacemakers prone to this problem had already been replaced because of normal battery depletion. About 6,650 people in the US still had these pacemakers in, and most were due to be replaced soon. No serious medical problems were reported due to this defect.

The other issue they had was one they shared with other defibrillator companies (including Guidant), because it was a problem with batteries made by a supplier that most major pacemaker companies used (from the same site):

Medtronic also recalled about 87,000 defibrillators because of a problem with the battery. The battery would short out, and would run down very quickly and suddenly, causing the defibrillator to fail. At least one serious injury and four deaths happened because of this defect.

Nearly all the Medtronic defibrillators and pacemakers recalled were manufactured before 2003.

The deaths were not actually caused by the defibrillator action, but rather they happened because the defibrillators didn't apply a shock when needed. In a different issue, a St. Jude defibrillator did have a problem with their software that could have caused deaths from malfunction.

As far as investigations went, Guidant was the company that was cited for failing to recall their defibrillator and pacing products soon enough at the time, not Medtronic.

Best wishes,

twinmaker · Jan 27, 2007

I had one of the Medtronic defibrillators that was recalled almost 2 years ago. I was notified by my cardio's office and had to go in and meet with a representative from Medtronic and my electrophysiologist. All patients were given the choice to either have the defib replaced or use a handheld magnet placed over the implant site everyday to make sure it was still working. The rep advised that I have mine replaced since I am 100% dependent on the pacemaker part and of course could need the defib as well since I have it for ventricular tachycardia. Even if he hadn't recommended it, I would have had it replaced. I tend to worry especially about something that my life depends on. LINDA

twinmaker · Jan 27, 2007

Mary, I just checked the Medtronic web page and didn't see any recalls for a pacemaker recently. I wonder if the law firm number you called was for pacers that had a problem a year or so ago. Law firms will start legal action against these companies and run ads on TV, so you will probably be getting info on the legal stuff. I would call my cardio and find out about your device and what your options are. Just a thought. LINDA

joanne6 · Jan 28, 2007

I just got a Medtronics pacer on Fri and I am not even thinking about giving it back. They had better not recall it because I am too uncomfortable. I never realized how hard it is to get a pacemaker.

NascarfanMary · Jan 29, 2007

Thanks Bob for the information. I was glad you gave us the website. Sorry if I gave anyone a scare. I called my Dr. and found out that my model is ok. You are right Guidiant has had more recalls that Medtronics. My husband said if there were serious problems Cleveland would reach me as well as Medtronics. I thought maybe I was going to be scamed, but as some of you stated, to check it out and I'm glad I did. I was very worried when it is something that your live depends on very day. Reading the website made me feel so much better. Thanks