Comments on: Medtronic lead recall could have come earlier http://www.youhavealawyer.com/blog/2007/11/01/medtronic-lead-recall/ Saiontz, Kirk & Miles personal injury and medical malpractice lawyers. Thu, 4 Dec 2008 07:02:33 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Medtronic Lead Problems - Software Update to Detect Medtronic Fractures | Legal News & Updates Blog - Saiontz, Kirk & Miles http://www.youhavealawyer.com/blog/2007/11/01/medtronic-lead-recall/#comment-55499 Medtronic Lead Problems - Software Update to Detect Medtronic Fractures | Legal News & Updates Blog - Saiontz, Kirk & Miles Mon, 08 Sep 2008 19:57:09 +0000 http://www.youhavealawyer.com/blog/2007/11/01/medtronic-lead-recall/#comment-55499 [...] Medtronic lead lawyers at Saiontz, Kirk & Miles, P.A. represent individuals who received the Sprint Fidelis lead, [...] [...] Medtronic lead lawyers at Saiontz, Kirk & Miles, P.A. represent individuals who received the Sprint Fidelis lead, [...]

]]> By: julie mennes http://www.youhavealawyer.com/blog/2007/11/01/medtronic-lead-recall/#comment-41648 julie mennes Sun, 16 Mar 2008 01:04:45 +0000 http://www.youhavealawyer.com/blog/2007/11/01/medtronic-lead-recall/#comment-41648 my father went to the hospital on feb 1 08 for what we thought was a stroke, my dad had one of the recalled leads. he almost died more than once due to the infection from the lead site he has had kidney failure and had heart falure twice his legs are covered in sores from the infection he will be on medicine for the infection for 17 more weeks. no one should have to suffer such a slow murder!!!!!!!!!!!!! my father went to the hospital on feb 1 08 for what we thought was a stroke, my dad had one of the recalled leads. he almost died more than once due to the infection from the lead site he has had kidney failure and had heart falure twice his legs are covered in sores from the infection he will be on medicine for the infection for 17 more weeks. no one should have to suffer such a slow murder!!!!!!!!!!!!!

]]> By: Cheria Custard http://www.youhavealawyer.com/blog/2007/11/01/medtronic-lead-recall/#comment-37300 Cheria Custard Fri, 08 Feb 2008 10:17:25 +0000 http://www.youhavealawyer.com/blog/2007/11/01/medtronic-lead-recall/#comment-37300 I had my ICD putin when I was 25, Feb 2005, with the defective lead. In June, I was riding in the car with a friend, laughing and I was shocked. The lead had broken. I had surgery to replace it(they used another defective lead costing $30,000) however the site got infected with stef and I was hopitalized for 12 days and almost died. Because of the infection they had to replace the whole device (also replaced with a defective lead - $180,000) and put it on the other side of my chest. I had to have at home care. Im 32 years old and I havent been the same since. The scars are horrible and now I dont heal very well. I have congestive heart failure and severe asthma. I am disable and just now got my medicare this Dec. because I was too young so the hospital is trying to get almost$250,000 from me. Im so angry that I still have to deal with this, that at any time it could break and I cant do anything about it. I had my ICD putin when I was 25, Feb 2005, with the defective lead. In June, I was riding in the car with a friend, laughing and I was shocked. The lead had broken. I had surgery to replace it(they used another defective lead costing $30,000) however the site got infected with stef and I was hopitalized for 12 days and almost died. Because of the infection they had to replace the whole device (also replaced with a defective lead - $180,000) and put it on the other side of my chest. I had to have at home care. Im 32 years old and I havent been the same since. The scars are horrible and now I dont heal very well. I have congestive heart failure and severe asthma. I am disable and just now got my medicare this Dec. because I was too young so the hospital is trying to get almost$250,000 from me.

Im so angry that I still have to deal with this, that at any time it could break and I cant do anything about it.

]]> By: Lea Wood http://www.youhavealawyer.com/blog/2007/11/01/medtronic-lead-recall/#comment-34090 Lea Wood Sat, 19 Jan 2008 15:45:03 +0000 http://www.youhavealawyer.com/blog/2007/11/01/medtronic-lead-recall/#comment-34090 I have a Medtronic SCS, implanted Oct 3, 2007 for RSD/CRPS II. I have complained of burning sensation at the implant site, and it also "jolts and Jerks" me to the floor. The Rep finally checked me on Jan 3, and I was informed I have a "leak" and "broken lead". Are there any problems with model37701 restorePrime that you have heard of? My doctor is working on getting approval with my Ins to do a repair. I'm not sure I want to go through with the horror of being awake during surgery. I have a Medtronic SCS, implanted Oct 3, 2007 for RSD/CRPS II. I have complained of burning sensation at the implant site, and it also “jolts and Jerks” me to the floor. The Rep finally checked me on Jan 3, and I was informed I have a “leak” and “broken lead”. Are there any problems with model37701 restorePrime that you have heard of? My doctor is working on getting approval with my Ins to do a repair. I’m not sure I want to go through with the horror of being awake during surgery.

]]> By: Austin Kirk http://www.youhavealawyer.com/blog/2007/11/01/medtronic-lead-recall/#comment-26715 Austin Kirk Thu, 22 Nov 2007 05:33:57 +0000 http://www.youhavealawyer.com/blog/2007/11/01/medtronic-lead-recall/#comment-26715 Mr. Hess, At this time, I have not heard anything about problems with brain stimulator lead wires. This post is regarding lawsuits we are pursuing for Medtronic Sprint Fidelis leads, which are used to connect defibrillator leads to the heart. These leads are not approved for any other use. If you would like to review your circumstances further with our office, please request a free consultation or call our office at (800) 522-0102. Mr. Hess,

At this time, I have not heard anything about problems with brain stimulator lead wires. This post is regarding lawsuits we are pursuing for Medtronic Sprint Fidelis leads, which are used to connect defibrillator leads to the heart. These leads are not approved for any other use.

If you would like to review your circumstances further with our office, please request a free consultation or call our office at (800) 522-0102.

]]> By: STANLEY HESS http://www.youhavealawyer.com/blog/2007/11/01/medtronic-lead-recall/#comment-26411 STANLEY HESS Tue, 20 Nov 2007 06:36:41 +0000 http://www.youhavealawyer.com/blog/2007/11/01/medtronic-lead-recall/#comment-26411 i have two deep brain stimulaters in my brain in 2002 i've had the wires replaced on the left side on 10/02and battery replaced in 05.then they had to go back in and redo the wires and leads on both sides on feb. 10/06. then in 2/9/07 then replaced wires behide ear to battery pack in chest. i was get tingling in my toes and my left arm is always hurting. then in 10/3/07 had my left side totally redo again this time from in side the brain down to the chest and i'm going in for the right side to be down on 12/12/07. have you got any info on the deep brain stimulators as they sent the old wires and leads back to michican to see what the problems is the right side has been messed up for a year or more with shocking to the body when being reprogramed please keep me informed if you hear any problems i'm only 53 i realy don't want to be schock to death thank you stan i have two deep brain stimulaters in my brain in 2002 i’ve had the wires replaced on the left side on 10/02and battery replaced in 05.then they had to go back in and redo the wires and leads on both sides on feb. 10/06. then in 2/9/07 then replaced wires behide ear to battery pack in chest. i was get tingling in my toes and my left arm is always hurting. then in 10/3/07 had my left side totally redo again this time from in side the brain down to the chest and i’m going in for the right side to be down on 12/12/07. have you got any info on the deep brain stimulators as they sent the old wires and leads back to michican to see what the problems is the right side has been messed up for a year or more with shocking to the body when being reprogramed please keep me informed if you hear any problems i’m only 53 i realy don’t want to be schock to death thank you stan

]]> By: Mac Chrupcala http://www.youhavealawyer.com/blog/2007/11/01/medtronic-lead-recall/#comment-25659 Mac Chrupcala Fri, 16 Nov 2007 01:19:48 +0000 http://www.youhavealawyer.com/blog/2007/11/01/medtronic-lead-recall/#comment-25659 I hads my defib implanted in March of 06. In June of 06 it fired 30 times within an hour and fifteen min.I thought bthat it had fired fewer times until the device was interrogated and I was told the number.My lead was replaced with the explanation that it had disloged somehow causing it to misfire. i think now that it was a problem with the lead itself. To state that that incident freaked me out is an understatement!Now I hear that it could happen again and I am beside myself with both anger and apprenhension. I had the device implanted to try to extend my life for the benefit of my 5 year old daughter. Now i am considering deactivating the device and taking my chances. I have now heard that a few years down the road,I will have to deal with the defib trying to pace my heart against my own pacing as the battery begins to run down. This whole thing really stinks and Medtronic should be held responsible. I hads my defib implanted in March of 06. In June of 06 it fired 30 times within an hour and fifteen min.I thought bthat it had fired fewer times until the device was interrogated and I was told the number.My lead was replaced with the explanation that it had disloged somehow causing it to misfire. i think now that it was a problem with the lead itself. To state that that incident freaked me out is an understatement!Now I hear that it could happen again and I am beside myself with both anger and apprenhension. I had the device implanted to try to extend my life for the benefit of my 5 year old daughter. Now i am considering deactivating the device and taking my chances. I have now heard that a few years down the road,I will have to deal with the defib trying to pace my heart against my own pacing as the battery begins to run down. This whole thing really stinks and Medtronic should be held responsible.

]]> By: Danny F Haggard http://www.youhavealawyer.com/blog/2007/11/01/medtronic-lead-recall/#comment-25494 Danny F Haggard Thu, 15 Nov 2007 05:29:56 +0000 http://www.youhavealawyer.com/blog/2007/11/01/medtronic-lead-recall/#comment-25494 I to, had the model 6949 implanted 03/03/07. I recieved a letter from Medtronics notifying me of the recall and the minimal risk that it imposed on me. I just read the article,'Medtronic Lead Recall Could Have Come Earlier'.I am upset that Medtronics would not listen to Dr. Robert Hauser, after his role in the 2005 Guidant recall. This man has already proven his abilities, his expertise, and should have been taken serious immediantly. The recall could have taken place right then or shortly afterward. I am also very surprized that I have not heard from my physician who placed the device. He was notified of the problem less than three weeks after the surgery. Some thing could have been done right then, in an effort to take me out of harms way. Who will ensure that Americans have access to quality health care? Only by holding those responsible, accountable for their negligence, can peace of mind be restored to those who have been threatened by Medtronics' reluctance to listen to the experts. The heart surgeons that have continued to use the faulty leads after being told of the dangers should also be held accountable. Good quality health care is expensive, even when you can afford it, you often do not recieve what you and your insurance company pay for. GET INVOLVED, IT CAN ONJLY HELP. I to, had the model 6949 implanted 03/03/07. I recieved a letter from Medtronics notifying me of the recall and the minimal risk that it imposed on me. I just read the article,’Medtronic Lead Recall Could Have Come Earlier’.I am upset that Medtronics would not listen to Dr. Robert Hauser, after his role in the 2005 Guidant recall. This man has already proven his abilities, his expertise, and should have been taken serious immediantly. The recall could have taken place right then or shortly afterward.

I am also very surprized that I have not heard from my physician who placed the device. He was notified of the problem less than three weeks after the surgery. Some thing could have been done right then, in an effort to take me out of harms way.

Who will ensure that Americans have access to quality health care? Only by holding those responsible, accountable for their negligence, can peace of mind be restored to those who have been threatened by Medtronics’ reluctance to listen to the experts. The heart surgeons that have continued to use the faulty leads after being told of the dangers should also be held accountable. Good quality health care is expensive, even when you can afford it, you often do not recieve what you and your insurance company pay for. GET INVOLVED, IT CAN ONJLY HELP.

]]> By: duane horner http://www.youhavealawyer.com/blog/2007/11/01/medtronic-lead-recall/#comment-25345 duane horner Wed, 14 Nov 2007 02:13:01 +0000 http://www.youhavealawyer.com/blog/2007/11/01/medtronic-lead-recall/#comment-25345 i have a recalled pacemaker and def model number 6949 right now my machine is off becuase i have the thin wire and is is broke so what do i do now can you tell me what to do i went through alot of pain getting this put in now it anit working now i have to decide what to do get it fixed or repaired or what i have 4 kids and 4 grand children who need me here with them and a lovely wife i got shocked 8 times with in one minute and rushed to the hospital next day got shocked 3 more time when i was seeing a heart doctor to see what was happening i was scared to death about this so can you tell me who is going to flip the bill this time again i suffered alot with the pain and im still having hurting pains all the time what if it happened to you you would be scared to death them shocks really hurt i never felt any thing like it before and now im scared to get shocked again by the machine that is suppose to help save my life not take my life my life dependeds on the machine that you made for me tell me what to do ive had my unit since dec 11 2005 luckily it aint killed me yet i thought iwas dying on oct 11 2007 at least my daughter was not home when it happened shes 7 but my wife had to go through the issues with me as with 2 other of my kids i have a recalled pacemaker and def model number 6949 right now my machine is off becuase i have the thin wire and is is broke so what do i do now can you tell me what to do i went through alot of pain getting this put in now it anit working now i have to decide what to do get it fixed or repaired or what i have 4 kids and 4 grand children who need me here with them and a lovely wife i got shocked 8 times with in one minute and rushed to the hospital next day got shocked 3 more time when i was seeing a heart doctor to see what was happening i was scared to death about this so can you tell me who is going to flip the bill this time again i suffered alot with the pain and im still having hurting pains all the time what if it happened to you you would be scared to death them shocks really hurt i never felt any thing like it before and now im scared to get shocked again by the machine that is suppose to help save my life not take my life my life dependeds on the machine that you made for me tell me what to do ive had my unit since dec 11 2005 luckily it aint killed me yet i thought iwas dying on oct 11 2007 at least my daughter was not home when it happened shes 7 but my wife had to go through the issues with me as with 2 other of my kids

]]> By: Kelley Gormley http://www.youhavealawyer.com/blog/2007/11/01/medtronic-lead-recall/#comment-24623 Kelley Gormley Wed, 07 Nov 2007 01:33:09 +0000 http://www.youhavealawyer.com/blog/2007/11/01/medtronic-lead-recall/#comment-24623 I don't know for sure if my mom had one of these defected leads, but I wanted to share our story. In Sept 2006 my moms pacemaker lead came off and was shocking her. She had a heart attack shortly after that. They replaced her whole pacemaker and her leads. One year after Sept 2007 she was hospitalized again due to having blood around her heart. They later found out that two of her leads came off of her pacemaker. One punctured her heart and one punctured her lung. This seemed highly unusual to me that she had two pacemakers and both times the leads came off. She had to have major surgery to repair the holes. She died Oct 1, 2007. My mom was very young and we feel had this not happened she would still be with us. I don’t know for sure if my mom had one of these defected leads, but I wanted to share our story. In Sept 2006 my moms pacemaker lead came off and was shocking her. She had a heart attack shortly after that. They replaced her whole pacemaker and her leads. One year after Sept 2007 she was hospitalized again due to having blood around her heart. They later found out that two of her leads came off of her pacemaker. One punctured her heart and one punctured her lung. This seemed highly unusual to me that she had two pacemakers and both times the leads came off. She had to have major surgery to repair the holes. She died Oct 1, 2007. My mom was very young and we feel had this not happened she would still be with us.

]]> By: tommie l cummins http://www.youhavealawyer.com/blog/2007/11/01/medtronic-lead-recall/#comment-24497 tommie l cummins Mon, 05 Nov 2007 19:31:30 +0000 http://www.youhavealawyer.com/blog/2007/11/01/medtronic-lead-recall/#comment-24497 i had my device put in june 2006 ,at maury reginiol hospital in tennessee,i have been shot a lot of times with it ,who do you think you are ,god. my life is at hands i have a wife and daugther to take care of and all you people want is to get rich ,i can,t even get tenncare or medicare in this state ,and can,t work no more ,and now you,re people make it that much harder for me ,don,t you,re people care about god,s and what you,re doing to his people ,in the name of jesus have some faith. i had my device put in june 2006 ,at maury reginiol hospital in tennessee,i have been shot a lot of times with it ,who do you think you are ,god. my life is at hands i have a wife and daugther to take care of and all you people want is to get rich ,i can,t even get tenncare or medicare in this state ,and can,t work no more ,and now you,re people make it that much harder for me ,don,t you,re people care about god,s and what you,re doing to his people ,in the name of jesus have some faith.

]]> By: Jackie Blankenship http://www.youhavealawyer.com/blog/2007/11/01/medtronic-lead-recall/#comment-24450 Jackie Blankenship Mon, 05 Nov 2007 07:19:30 +0000 http://www.youhavealawyer.com/blog/2007/11/01/medtronic-lead-recall/#comment-24450 I wonder why Medtronic has not notified of the same problems with the wires and eletrodes of the spinal cord stimulators? I resently had mine removed after the wires and electrodes broke in my neck and head!I now have problems I did not have before~ I wonder why Medtronic has not notified of the same problems with the wires and eletrodes of the spinal cord stimulators? I resently had mine removed after the wires and electrodes broke in my neck and head!I now have problems I did not have before~

]]> By: Monika Barkley http://www.youhavealawyer.com/blog/2007/11/01/medtronic-lead-recall/#comment-24057 Monika Barkley Thu, 01 Nov 2007 18:27:04 +0000 http://www.youhavealawyer.com/blog/2007/11/01/medtronic-lead-recall/#comment-24057 I am absolutely devastated by the news of the lead recall. I have the lead 6949 that was implanted in me at Duke Hospital August 13, 2007. I did some research and found through this article and the medtronic letter to physicians that they knew about the problem since March of 2007. I cannot believe they played God with my life until more data came in. I wrote Medtronic the statement below. I just cannot get over this because there is more of a chance of killing me if they try to remove so what, they're going to "watch" me till the lead fractures......... then what?!!! "I am one of the "lucky" recipients of the 6949 lead in my ICD that was implanted August 13, 2007. I just read your letter to the physicians that Medtronic first voiced concern in March 2007 regarding the failure rate of the lead. WHY DID YOU NOT STOP IMPLANTING THIS LEAD WHEN THE FAILURE RATE WAS KNOWN TO YOU IN MARCH OF 2007 AND CONTINUE TO ALLOW THE PHYSICIANS TO USE THE LEAD UNTIL OCTOBER 15, 2007?!!! I am devastated that you played God with my life just to see if after a few more months of data to be received if the data still "lead" you to believe the failure rate was above what was accepted and you would do the right thing before the FDA forced you to make the recall. How dare you." I am absolutely devastated by the news of the lead recall. I have the lead 6949 that was implanted in me at Duke Hospital August 13, 2007. I did some research and found through this article and the medtronic letter to physicians that they knew about the problem since March of 2007. I cannot believe they played God with my life until more data came in. I wrote Medtronic the statement below. I just cannot get over this because there is more of a chance of killing me if they try to remove so what, they’re going to “watch” me till the lead fractures……… then what?!!!

“I am one of the “lucky” recipients of the 6949 lead in my ICD that was implanted August 13, 2007. I just read your letter to the physicians that Medtronic first voiced concern in March 2007 regarding the failure rate of the lead. WHY DID YOU NOT STOP IMPLANTING THIS LEAD WHEN THE FAILURE RATE WAS KNOWN TO YOU IN MARCH OF 2007 AND CONTINUE TO ALLOW THE PHYSICIANS TO USE THE LEAD UNTIL OCTOBER 15, 2007?!!! I am devastated that you played God with my life just to see if after a few more months of data to be received if the data still “lead” you to believe the failure rate was above what was accepted and you would do the right thing before the FDA forced you to make the recall. How dare you.”

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