Parker Waichman LLP

Deep Brain Stimulation Devices Charging Problems

Errors In Deep Brain Stimulation Devices Result To Failures. Medtronic Deep Brain Stimulation Devices Chargers Malfunctioning. Medtronic has warned that some of its Model 37751 rechargers for its deep brain stimulation devices may be malfunctioning. In an “Urgent Field Safety Notice” addressed to healthcare professionals this month, the company said that the rechargers may become unresponsive and […]

Deep Brain Stimulation Devices

Errors In Deep Brain Stimulation Devices Result To Failures. Medtronic Deep Brain Stimulation Devices Chargers Malfunctioning. Medtronic has warned that some of its Model 37751 rechargers for its deep brain stimulation devices may be malfunctioning.

In an “Urgent Field Safety Notice” addressed to healthcare professionals this month, the company said that the rechargers may become unresponsive and fail to fully recharge the device until they are reset.

According to the letter, some customers reported that their rechargers have stopped working; they bleep every five seconds while displaying a blank screen.

This “error state” appears to be more common in rechargers manufactured since November 2014. Medtronic says 2 percent of chargers manufactured since November 2014 are prone to error state, while 0.2 percent of chargers manufactured before November 2014 are susceptible. Rechargers manufactured November 2014 and later contain serial numbers beginning with “NKA4” or “NKU4”.

During the error state, the recharger is unable to recharge the deep brain stimulation devices. Until the rechargers are reset, they cannot recharge the neurostimulator. Deep brain stimulation therapy is used to treat various neurological symptoms, such as movement problems associated with Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy.

Loss of Deep Brain Stimulation Device Can Lead to Life-Threatening Problems

Medtronic warned that the neurostimulator will stop delivering therapy if the battery is depleted, and patients may experience a return of neurological symptoms. In some cases, the company said, the loss of deep brain stimulation can lead to life-threatening injury and death.

For instance, patients with Parkinson’s disease may experience akinetic crisis (severe inability to move) and patients with epilepsy may experience status epilepticus (where seizures last too long or seizures follow one another without recovery) without neurostimulation. So far, the recall has not been linked to any life-threatening injuries or deaths.

The company says the rechargers should be plugged into the AC power supply before recharging the neurostimulator and should remain connected until the charging is complete in order to prevent the error state.

If the recharger is unresponsive, the company advises healthcare professionals to help patients reset the recharger. Physicians should notify their patients of the recharger issue and discuss how to address the problem, the letter states.

Need Legal Help Regarding Deep Brain Stimulation Devices?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Responsiveness For such a bad situation the kindness, always willing to call you back within a few hours. If they don't know something they go on a search. These are the lawyers that give lawyers a GOOD NAME!!!! Gina Viti is a fantastic person to have asa point of contact I can not say enough about her.
BIG ECO
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Quality , Value I want to say thank you to Kathy Snedecore for her awesome work ethics. She’s amazing and I appreciate her always providing updates and being on top of my Mother’s case. Thank you for everything! Me & Leyla are beyond grateful.
Gabriela Fernandez
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Quality , Responsiveness Like to say thank you Joonho Hong and Meredith Ippolito. It was such a pleasure to have them on my case. They made sure to keep me updated and corrected any errors from the courts that was done during the time the court was close in this pandemic. They fought for me. I highly recommend Parker Waichman.
Renee Francis
2 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038