2010 June

Hernia Patch Lawsuit

June 30, 2010 By admin

Though considered a non-life threatening ailment, a hernia can be a severely limiting and painful medical condition to endure. It affects nearly every waking movement you make, and can present a serious problem for a host of involuntary biological processes every day until it is treated. Complicating matters is the fact that the only way to treat a hernia is to remove it, and the only way to do that is through surgery. Some hernias can be removed with a laser, but many (most, in fact) still cannot be without jeopardizing internal organs. Patients affected by defective Kugel mesh continue to file a hernia patch lawsuit to help with outstanding medical bills and long-term injuries. Please contact us for the latest news updates.

One of the ultimate problems with hernia surgery is that it leaves parts of a patient’s inner abdominal wall extremely weak, and covered with scar tissue. Realizing this, Dr. Robert Kugel developed the Kugel hernia mesh patch implant that was produced and distributed by Davol, Inc., under the trade name Bard Composix Hernia Mesh Patch. At the time it was released, this hernia patch seemed to be a good solution, helping patients heal from hernia surgeries quickly and with little inner abdominal pain.

What Are The Different Types Of Hernias?

There are four main types of hernias – direct, indirect, femoral and ventral hernias. The type often depends greatly on the location of the hernia. Direct, indirect and femoral hernias are most commonly found in the groin area, while ventral hernias are found primary in the upper abdominal cavity, along the interior wall of the abdomen.

How the Kugel Hernia Mesh Patch Worked

The Kugel hernia mesh patch is a dual layer composite propylene material that is grafted to the areas of the inner abdominal wall that are weakened by the removal of a hernia. The mesh patch is used to help strengthen the inner abdominal wall, and to facilitate healing of the inner abdominal tissues that line the wall.

Why the Kugel Mesh Recall Happened

Davol recalled tens of thousands of the hernia mesh implants due to the severe nature of the many side effects and complications that occurred. These major failings revealed that a crucial component of the Kugel mesh patch was defective. At the center of the patch is an outer memory recoil ring. What happens for many patients is that, when the inner abdominal cavity is placed under rather ordinary stress, the recoil ring suffers failure, and splits apart. This leaves sharp, jagged edges of the mesh material jutting out into the abdominal cavity.

The Dangerous Side Effects Resulting From Kugel Mesh Complications

What happens when the center recoil ring of the Kugel hernia mesh implant fails, and ruptures, is that it can puncture or perforate any of the nearby internal organs. Since the mesh implant is commonly placed adjacent to the many organs in the lower abdomen, any puncture or perforation can damage the bowels, intestines, or any of the other organs nearby. This can, obviously, cause severe health problems. Patients who have had a Kugel mesh failure are often operated upon immediately to prevent serious complications with their health. If you or a family member has suffered injuries due to defective Kugel mesh please contact us for a free consultation regarding your legal rights and the latest news updates for a hernia mesh lawsuit.

Filed Under: Kugel Mesh Recall

Reglan Lawsuit Awards

June 29, 2010 By admin

Reglan lawsuit awards may be the only way to obtain justice for people who have been harmed by Reglan. Additionally, Reglan lawsuits can be the only way to hold its manufacturer responsible for its product.

What is Reglan?
Reglan is an oral medication used to treat diabetic gastroparesis, which is the delayed movement of food from the stomach into the intestine, and GERD, which is a backup of stomach acid into the esophagus. Symptoms of these conditions include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, heartburn, and chest pain. Reglan is produced by Schwarz Pharma. It is generically known as metoclopramide. Reglan was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1985.

The FDA Reglan Warning
On February 26, 2009, the FDA mandated that Reglan have a “black box” warning label on the box. This black box warning is the FDA’s strictest warning. Black Box warnings indicate that a medication has the potential to cause life-threatening side effects. There are multiple life-altering Reglan side effects.

What harm can Reglan cause?
Reglan can cause serious health problems which can lead to involuntary movement problems. These Reglan problems include the following conditions:

• Reglan Tardive Dyskinesia, which are involuntary, repetitive movements affecting the face, trunk and/or limbs;
• Aldosteronism, which is a condition where the adrenal glands produce excessive hormones and cause low blood-potassium levels (If left untreated, aldosteronism can be fatal, as it may result in heart attack, heart failure, stroke or kidney failure);
• Agranulocytosis, which is a condition characterized by low levels of white blood cells (If left untreated, agranulocytosis can result in osteoporosis and other irreversible conditions);
• Depression and/or suicidal thoughts;
• Hallucinations;
• Jaundice;
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a life-threatening neurological condition marked by delirium, fever and muscle rigidity;
• Seizures; and
• Tachycardia, an arrhythmia marked by increased heart rate.

Some of these Reglan side effects can clear up with immediate treatment, but in the worst cases, serious problems are incurable and potentially deadly. If you suffer from one of these serious health problems caused by Reglan, you may have one of the legitimate Reglan lawsuits.

Reglan litigation is currently ongoing and patients affected by serious side effects continue to file claims. There is a limited amount of time to bring a claim and you are urged to explore your legal options so that you are not prevented from potentially receiving Reglan lawsuit settlements compensation for your injuries.

Filed Under: Reglan Side Effects

Medtronic Lawsuit 2010 News

June 28, 2010 By admin

In the fall of 2007, following the deaths of five heart patients who had heart defibrillators implanted into their chests, a worldwide recall was initiated that made many other heart patients extremely fearful. Medtronic, the company that produced and distributed the Sprint Fidelis heart leads, faces numerous lawsuits, due to the Medtronic lead recall. There are many questions related to the Sprint Fidelis heart leads, and what the future has in store for the thousands of patients with recalled leads implanted. Please contact us for the latest Medtronic lawsuit 2010 news.

What Went Wrong?

The most obvious question is, what went wrong with the Sprint Fidelis defibrillator leads? Heart defibrillators are self-contained devices that are implanted into the chest cavity of patients who have had a history of cardiac episodes or suffer from heart arrhythmia. The defibrillators work by monitoring the rhythms of a patient’s heart, and when abnormal rhythms are detected, small electric shocks are sent into the heart via the defibrillator lead. This regulates the rhythms of the heart, and prevents any serious cardiac episode from happening.

With the Sprint Fidelis leads, the wires were susceptible to fracturing, meaning that when an irregular or dangerous heart rhythm was detected, the defibrillator was unable to respond with electric shocks. For five patients, this meant full cardiac arrest leading to death.

How Many Heart Patients Were Affected?

The five that died due to the Medtronic Sprint Fidelis lead fracture seem to be the only deaths relating to the problem. However, more than 100,000 heart patients have had the Sprint Fidelis defibrillator leads implanted, and these patients are all over the world.

In the wake of the deaths, Medtronic issued an advisory urging patients that had the Sprint Fidelis heart leads implanted to see their doctor immediately. In most cases, simple tests will be performed to ensure that the leads are in working order. Medtronic, and most health professionals, do not recommend having the Sprint Fidelis leads removed at this time, as that is intensive surgery that can be unnecessarily dangerous.

What Kinds Of Lawsuits Is Medtronic Facing?

Medtronic is facing multiple individual lawsuits following the advisory about their Sprint Fidelis lead recall. Cases are currently pending, having been consolidated through multi-district litigation. Many patients fear the devices that are in their chests are defective, and will not be able to save them.

Patients subject to the Medtronic lead recall currently are faced with no good options. It is not recommended that the potentially defective leads be removed due to the serious nature of explants surgery. However, that then leaves patients with the fear that they could suffer a lead fracture and not receive the life-saving shocks from their defibrillator when needed. Patients continue to file individual claims and there is currently no national Medtronic class action lawsuit.

Filed Under: Medtronic Lead Recall

Nuvaring Litigation

June 27, 2010 By admin

Nuvaring blood clots involving a DVT (or deep venous thrombosis) is a condition in which blood clots form in the deep veins of your legs. They often cause swelling and pain, and can damage the one-way valves in the veins that control the directional flow of blood. These clots are caused by the hormones released through the vaginal wall by the contraceptive ring – estrogen and a progestin called etonogestrel, an active metabolite of desogestrel. Both hormones are known to increase the risk of abnormal clotting in women.

In addition to circulation problems and valvular damage at the site of the DVT, the clots also expose you to a risk of pulmonary embolism. If they break free of the venous lining, they can travel with your bloodstream to your heart and lungs. A thrombus that migrates into a pulmonary artery can form a blockage, resulting in damage to the underlying lung tissue.

Because of these dangers, doctors normally treat Nuvaring and deep vein thrombosis with blood thinners and thrombolytic drugs. Each type of medication is prescribed in order to achieve different goals in an attempt to prevent pulmonary embolism. Please contact us for the latest information on Nuvaring litigation 2010 updates.

Blood Thinners

The two main blood thinners, or anticoagulants, prescribed today are low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and warfarin. Both are used to slow the pace of clotting in your body. They help prevent further clots from forming while controlling the growth of existing clots.

Low-molecular weight heparin is delivered by injection or intravenously, and begins to work immediately. It inhibits an enzyme called thrombin, which normally turns fibrinogen into fibrin, a key ingredient for thrombi. By inhibiting the action of thrombin, LMWH delays the body’s clotting process.

Warfarin (also known as Coumadin) is prescribed in pill form and requires several days to begin taking effect. It works toward the same end as LMWH (slowing the pace of clotting), but does so by inhibiting vitamin K. Normally, vitamin K produces a protein called prothrombin, an important clotting factor. Inhibiting its production slows the development of clots.

Even though blood thinners are effective for slowing the process of clot formation, they pose a risk of internal hemorrhaging. With both low-molecular weight heparin and warfarin, signs of bleeding are often evident in black stools or orange-colored urine. To minimize the likelihood of bleeding, your doctor will monitor your blood to ensure the medication levels are appropriate.

Both are often prescribed to treat a Nuvaring DVT problem, but LMWH is stopped once warfarin begins to have an effect. For severe deep vein thrombosis, both types of anticoagulants may be used concurrently.

Thrombolytic Medications

Known as clot-busters, thrombolytic drugs dissolve existing thrombi. Common medications used during thrombolysis include tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), streptokinase, tenecteplase, and urokinase. These drugs can be introduced using one of two methods: through an IV or through a long catheter.

A contrast dye is released into the suspected veins prior to injecting the clot-busting medication. This is done to determine the exact location of the thrombus. Once its location has been identified, the thrombolytic medication is introduced.

X-rays are then taken of the site to monitor the dissolution of the clot. The length of time over which treatment is administered can range from a few hours to several days, depending on the size of the clot.

As with anticoagulants, the main risk posed by thrombolytic therapy is internal hemorrhaging. This is the primary concern for doctors. They must weigh the risk of bleeding with the likelihood of an existing clot breaking away from the venous wall and traveling to the lungs. This decision is made more problematic because clots can develop scar tissue, which is less susceptible to thrombolytic drugs.

Deep vein thrombosis is one of the dangerous clotting disorders linked to the contraceptive ring. It exposes women to a risk of pulmonary embolism, stroke, and myocardial infarction. If you have suffered abnormal clotting, DVT, or related Nuvaring problems, learn about your legal rights. Contact one of our Nuvaring lawyers to discuss your case.

Filed Under: Nuvaring Side Effects

Accutane Ulcerative Colitis

June 26, 2010 By admin

There is a drug that was on the market that has experienced a great amount of attention as of late. Though created and marketed as a treatment for cases of acne, and severe acne, the makers of the drug Accutane have found that their drug has caused much more severe conditions than what it set out to treat. Patients from all over the country have developed severe and ongoing Accutane side effects years later, both physiological and psychological, all because they wanted to treat their acne.

Accutane was produced and distributed by Roche Pharmaceuticals. During the past couple of years, Roche Pharmaceuticals has lost six Accutane lawsuits, and has recently settled out of a seventh in a pre trial settlement that is sealed. The plaintiffs in those cases claimed to suffer chronic Inflammatory Bowel Diseases from Accutane use. Roche Pharmaceuticals faces more than 1,000 more Accutane lawsuits that have been filed against them, physicians and doctor’s offices during the past year.

Understanding the Link

The link between this acne medication and severe side effects such as Crohn’s Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Accutane Ulcerative Colitis and other forms of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) is currently being established both in the medical arena and in the court of law. However, there is currently no conclusive proof of a cause and effect relationship between Accutane and these side effects. That being said, there is extensive correlative evidence linking Accutane and IBD of all types, and it is clear that high doses of Accutane can often lead to these side effects.

In 2009, Roche Pharmaceuticals pulled Accutane from store shelves and doctors’ offices, claiming that other generic forms of the drug had made it too costly to continue. It was not too long afterward, however, that the first Accutane lawsuit was filed in court.

The problem with Accutane is that it is known to have severe side effects that can be fatal in the worst of cases, and unusually destructive and chronic in the best of cases. Due to the requirements of high doses of Accutane to treat severe acne, the body reacts in any number of ways, including Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, Ulcerative Colitis, depression, suicidal thoughts, liver damage, and a veritable panoply of health problems.

A Lack of Warning Information

Even though many Accutane patients are briefed on the possible side effects of the acne treatment, enough of a case can be made for negligence due to the rather understated nature of those warnings. Simply telling a patient that he or she may develop inflammatory problems or dry skin does not touch upon the severe nature of what a harsh, chronic condition many of these Accutane side effects are.

Roche Pharmaceuticals seems prepared to attempt to settle out of court as many of the cases that they can going forward. The makers of Accutane have already lost millions of dollars in the course of litigation. Though there has been some discussion by plaintiffs to organize a class action suit, claims are currently being pursued on an individual basis. Please contact us for the latest Accutane lawsuit 2010 news.

Filed Under: Accutane Lawsuit

Yaz Lawsuit Gallbladder News

June 25, 2010 By admin

Yasmin and gallstones have caused serious health problems for women using this birth control pill. The stones form as the result of excess cholesterol secreted by the liver and fewer contractions of the gallbladder. This allows bile and cholesterol to sit within the organ and slowly turn into gallstones. Please contact us for the latest Yaz lawsuit gallbladder news.

Even though stones are usually asymptomatic, they can suddenly cause intense abdominal pain, nausea, and in extreme cases, jaundice. These are common signs of Yasmin gallbladder disease. If the condition is allowed to progress untreated, it can lead to dangerous complications. The gall bladder may become perforated; a fistula can form with another organ; pus can accumulate, leading to infection.

Another dangerous – and fortunately, rare – condition is gallbladder cancer. Medical experts are unclear regarding its causes, but gallstones are present in nearly all diagnosed cases. Moreover, carcinomas (i.e. tumors) are more prevalent when the patient suffers from chronic gall bladder disease.

Symptoms Of Gallbladder Cancer

Signs of gallbladder cancer are similar to symptoms of gallstones, which makes diagnosing the disease more difficult. You may feel a sharp, persistent pain in the upper right quadrant of your abdomen. You might also experience a bloated sensation. Nausea and fever are common as is a loss of appetite. Similar to severe gallbladder disease, jaundice may present as the cancer advances.

The cancerous cells may also cause an obstruction of the gall bladder’s opening. This makes it difficult for bile to exit into the cystic duct on its way to the small intestine. Bile that is trapped inside the gallbladder for a prolonged period may cause severe inflammation of the tissue. This, in turn, can cause the organ to enlarge. If you or a family member has had gallbladder removal surgery you can contact us for a free consultation regarding your legal options and the latest Yaz lawsuit update.

Gallbladder Polyps And Cancer

Polyps are abnormal growths that can form in the lining of your gallbladder. They can be caused by cholesterol deposits or inflammation of the organ’s innermost tissue. When they are small (less than 1 centimeter), they seldom present a major health risk. Larger polyps, however, can occasionally become cancerous.

How Gall Bladder Cancer Is Treated

Treatment depends primarily on staging. If the cancer is in its earliest stage, and thus remains localized within the gall bladder, treatment is similar to that used for Yaz gallbladder disease: the organ is removed. By stage 2, the cancer has spread to parts of the liver. Gallbladder removal surgery can still be performed, but the surgeon will also need to remove the affected portion of the liver. This approach is usually sufficient to safeguard against the likelihood of a recurrence.

In its late stages, the disease spreads to the lymph nodes and distant organs. Surgery alone cannot resolve it. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are necessary to kill the cancerous cells.

As the cancer spreads, tumors can cause bile duct blockages. A surgeon can address them by performing a surgical biliary bypass. He or she will sever the duct and reconnect it to the small intestine, providing an alternate route through which bile can travel. This is usually done in cases where the blockage is located near the small intestine.

If the obstruction is located higher in common bile duct, the surgeon can place a stent in order to keep the duct open. That way, bile can drain past the blockage.

The biggest challenge with treating gall bladder cancer successfully is that the disease is usually diagnosed after it has become systemic. Once it has metastasized to other organs, the survival rate drops.

The link between gallstones and gallbladder cancer remains uncertain, despite the presence of stones in most diagnosed cases. If you have suffered Yaz gallbladder disease, gallstones, or other problems with your biliary tract after using this oral contraceptive, find out about your legal rights. Contact a Yasmin lawsuit attorney to discuss your options.

Filed Under: Yasmin / Yaz Lawsuit

Paxil Lawsuit Birth Defects

June 24, 2010 By admin

When you buy a prescription medication, you have a right to reasonably believe that it has been tested and approved according to strict conditions. You also have the right to have all the information about that drug, good and bad, presented to you by the company so that you can make an informed decision. Where Paxil—generic name paroxetine—is concerned, it has been argued that neither was the case. Paxil birth defects are a heartbreaking and all-too-common reason that people are motivated to file a Paxil lawsuit. Please contact us for the latest Paxil settlement updates.

How This Happened

In 2004, the FDA said that the manufacturer of Paxil, GlaxoSmithKline, had confused the public in its advertising campaigns and, further, documents showed that the company may have avoided having studies on the drug that they suspected would result in negative outcomes. There have been Paxil lawsuit birth defects claims filed over these issues already and the company has paid out millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts.

Paxil is prescribed for a variety of different conditions; the majority of them are anxiety and depression disorders. It is used to treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) as well as clinical depression. The drug is used to treat Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and is used in the treatment of the hot flashes that accompany menopause. It is used to treat other physiological conditions, as well, including premature ejaculation.

Paxil side effects, including an increase in suicidal thoughts and tendencies, have made it strongly recommended against for the treatment of those under 24 years of age, as those problems are more pronounced among younger people. The drug has a host of other side effects associated with it, primarily related to birth defects.

Paxil Lawsuit and Pregnancy Cases

Paxil is not recommended for expecting mothers. The drug is known to cause serious birth defects. The most commonly associated birth defect is called PPHN. Paxil PPHN—the acronym stands for Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in the Newborn—is sometimes fatal and always serious. The disorder causes problems with the baby’s blood being properly oxygenated. It can damage the eyes and kidneys, and cause other problems, as well. If your child suffered these birth defects and you were being treated with Paxil, you may be eligible for damages, depending upon the specific circumstances.

You deserved to be informed of the risks of continuing Paxil therapy if you were pregnant. If you were not and have suffered Paxil birth defects, you should contact a lawyer to investigate your options. There are families throughout the United States that have investigated their legal options including a Paxil lawsuit over pregnancy problems and birth defects. Cases are continuing to be filed individually and there is currently no national Paxil class action lawsuit.

Filed Under: Paxil Birth Defects

Hernia Mesh Problems

June 23, 2010 By admin

Following patient complaints of hernia mesh problems certain lots of the Kugel patch was recalled in 2005. A hernia is described as a weakening of the walls in the abdomen or the pelvic area. These can be painful to the patient that suffers them, so Davol, a medical device company, developed the Kugel hernia mesh patch to aid in healing after hernia surgery. The Kugel hernia patch is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen and then placed into a pocket in the perperitoneal space.

The hernia patch includes a plastic memory recoil ring that holds the patch in place between the abdominal wall and the hernia. The Kugel hernia mesh patch can be folded before insertion, and then the memory coil springs open so that the Kugel patch will stay in place. Once the patch is in place, the Kugel hernia mesh patch works to reduce discomfort after the hernia surgery. It is estimated that over 78,000 hernia patients have the Kugel hernia mesh patch.

The Kugel Hernia Mesh Presents Complications

In 2003, patients began complaining to Davol, the makers of the Kugel hernia mesh patch. The recoil ring that was meant to keep the patch open after insertion is prone to breaking under the stress of the abdominal muscles. Because the patch is made with hard plastic edges, the broken patches formed sharp points that could puncture the internal organs.

The resulting illness and injuries included bowel perforation, serious infection, chronic intestinal fistulae, and bowel obstruction. The symptoms of these injuries were described as persistent abdominal pain, fever, tenderness at the site of the surgery, and nausea or vomiting. When left untreated, these conditions have led to death. As a result of these complaints, Davol began a hernia mesh recall of the defective Kugel mesh patches in December of 2005 and began distributing patches that were improved.

Kugel Mesh Patch Lawsuits

Many believe that Davol should be held responsible for the illness and injury that many of the Kugel hernia mesh patch patients have experienced. It is important that pharmaceutical and medical device companies are held accountable for the medical products that they distribute. Patients that have experienced the side effects, illnesses, or injuries can seek legal damages through a lawsuit against Davol. There are no current class action lawsuits pending, but many individuals have opened their own cases against the medical device company which have been consolidated into what is referred to as multi-district litigation (MDL).

The lawsuits basically state that Davol did not fully disclose any possible side effects or malfunction of the Kugel hernia mesh patch and that there was not adequate testing performed on the hernia patches before they were distributed for use in hernia surgeries. The claimants are seeking damages for medical bills, lost wages, loss of independence and quality of life, and pain and suffering. Many patients have had to undergo hernia mesh removal surgery. Those that have lost family members due to complications with the Kugel hernia mesh are suing for any remaining medical bills, as well as for pain and suffering. It is important to check the statute of limitations for that state in which the lawsuit will take place, because each state has individual requirements. Claimants should also consult their doctor to ascertain that they do, indeed, have the Kugel hernia patch.

Filed Under: Kugel Mesh Recall

Reglan Lawsuit Settlements

June 22, 2010 By admin

Reglan lawsuit settlements are often reached after a lawsuit is filed. This can be a person’s only way to obtain justice for harm caused by Reglan. Additionally, Reglan lawsuit settlements can be the only way to hold its manufacturer responsible for its product.

Why are Reglan Lawsuit Settlements Reached?
Reglan can cause tardive dyskinesia, which is medical disorder that involves involuntary movements, mostly in the lower face. Tardive means “delayed” and dyskinesia means “abnormal movement.” Reglan tardive dyskinesia is caused by its drug, metoclopramide. It occurs most often when people take Reglan for long periods of time, but in some cases, tardive dyskinesia can occur after taking the drug for a short period of time. Common symptoms include facial grimacing, jaw swinging; tongue thrusting, and repetitive chewing.

If you experience any of these tardive dyskinesia symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention. If tardive dyskinesia is diagnosed and treated early, the condition may be reversed by stopping taking Reglan. However, even if a person stops taking Reglan, the involuntary movements may become worse, and may even be permanent. If this is the case, you may be entitled to a Reglan lawsuit settlements after filing a claim.

What other problems can Reglan cause?
In addition to causing tardive dyskinesia, Reglan can cause depression, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, jaundice, neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS– a life-threatening neurological condition marked by delirium, fever and muscle rigidity), seizures, aldosteronism, a condition where the adrenal glands produce excessive hormones and cause low blood-potassium levels, and agranulocytosis, a condition characterized by low levels of white blood cells.

Reglan Lawsuit 2010
On February 26, 2009, the FDA mandated that Reglan have a “black box” warning label on the box. This black box warning is the FDA’s strictest warning. Black Box warnings indicate that a medication has the potential to cause life-threatening side effects. If you have been affected by Reglan side effects you may have important legal rights and should explore your legal options. There is a limited amount of time to file a Reglan drug lawsuit.

Filed Under: Reglan Side Effects

Medtronic Lead Fracture

June 21, 2010 By admin

The Medtronic lead lawsuit claims have been consolidated in multi-district litigation Minneapolis, MN, the headquarters of the medical device company involved. The lawsuit involves Sprint Fidelis lead fracture issues that were discovered through patient complaints, doctors and the company itself. In 2007, Medtronic issued a recall of some models of the leads they manufacture for use with implanted defibrillators. They include the following models and, if your defibrillator is equipped with one of these leads, you may be eligible to take part in the Medtronic lead lawsuit.

Models affected by the Sprint Fidelis Medtronic Lead Fracture issues include:

• Sprint Fidelis 6930
• Sprint Fidelis 6931
• Sprint Fidelis 6948
• Sprint Fidelis 6949

What the Sprint Fidelis Lead Fracture Recall Means

An implanted defibrillator is designed to help the heart maintain a regular rhythm. Irregular heartbeats can be fatal and these devices are lifesavers when they work correctly. A Medtronic lead failure prevents these devices from working as intended and, thus, defeats the purpose of the device in some situations.

If your device is affected, the Medtronic lead fracture issues may be manifesting already. The fractures cause the defibrillators to let out pulses when they’re not needed. Some patients will experience this as dizziness and lightheadedness; some will be aware of the device sending a shock. The Sprint Fidelis lead recall, however, involves potentially more significant issues.

The Medtronic lead fracture problems prevent the device from being truly reliable which, obviously, is not acceptable in a life saving device designed to be implanted directly into the body. Unfortunately, removing the device may present even more hazards than just leaving it in, and may have serious implications for the patient. The company itself has admitted that the surgery to remove these devices may not be worth the risk to the patient, leaving patients with few options other than to participate in the Medtronic lead lawsuit.

Who Is Affected by the Medtronic Lead Recall?

There are over 100,000 people known to be implanted with the devices that are the subject of the Sprint Fidelis lead fracture lawsuit. If you have an implanted defibrillator and are concerned that you may have one of the leads that are subject to fracture, you should contact your doctor immediately. Your cardiologist should know which leads you were implanted with. The Sprint Fidelis lead recall does not include other leads manufactured by this company.

The lawsuit is being handled in Minneapolis, but any one of the hundreds of thousands of people affected by the Medtronic lead recall may be eligible to participate in it. The lawsuits are being handled through what is called multidistrict litigation, which allows those affected to participate without being located in the same area where the Medtronic lead lawsuit is being heard.