Irwin Mitchell’s specialist product liability team are investigating a claim for a patient who has had two failed defibrillators.
The patient suffered from a congenital cardiac condition and at the age of 18 was told she would need a defibrillator to manage her condition. She was implanted with a Medtronic Sprint Fidelis defibrillator.
In October 2007, Medtronic issued a worldwide recall of the device because the electronic wires have a tendency to fracture. This could lead to device failure or could cause a patient to receive repeated, unnecessary shocks.
In November 2007, the patient was told of the possible problem with her device and was advised that the settings would need to be changed so they could recognise this problem should it occur.
Less than a year later, the patient suffered an episode of palpitations which caused her to collapse with loss of consciousness. Following a number of investigations, it was discovered that one of the leads in the defibrillator had actually fractured. The device was removed and replaced but not before she received eight electric shocks.
The replacement defibrillator was a Riata model manufactured by St Jude Medical. Unfortunately, this has also been subject of a recall in 2011 for similar reasons. In early 2011, she received a series of inappropriate shocks and she had to undergo further surgery to replace this defibrillator.
Our expert personal injury lawyers could help you claim compensation if you or a loved one has suffered due to a faulty defibrillator. See our Faulty Defibrillator Claims page for more information.
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