Parker Waichman LLP

FDA Issues St. Jude Warning Letter Over Epicor Surgical Ablation Device

A Warning Letter from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to St. Jude Medical Inc. has been posted on the agency’s web site. The letter alleges that St. Jude promoted the Epicor surgical ablation device to treat atrial fibrillation, a use that has not been approved by the agency. Surgical ablation devices like the […]

A Warning Letter from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to St. Jude Medical Inc. has been posted on the agency’s web site. The letter alleges that St. Jude promoted the <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/practice_areas/defective_medical_devices">Epicor surgical ablation device to treat atrial fibrillation, a use that has not been approved by the agency.

Surgical ablation devices like the Epicor system are approved for “ablation,” or the burning of tissue, to seal a wound to stop bleeding. While doctors are permitted to use medical devices in any way they see fit, manufacturers are legally barred from marketing or promoting such uses. St. Jude has received the go-ahead from the FDA to investigate the Epicor system’s use in treating atrial fibrillation, but not approval to market it for this use.

In a Warning Letter dated April 23, the FDA cited marketing statements such as one on the St. Jude’s website last year that the Epicor system is “designed to safely, effectively and reproducibly create a classic box lesion in a single step.” According to The Wall Street Journal, the statement referred to a pattern of burns imprinted on the heart during atrial fibrillation surgery. The letter said statements like that violated the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

The letter also said the FDA found similar problems with marketing brochures and materials aimed at physicians.

Recently, St. Jude acknowledged an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice into similar false marketing claims involving Epicor. In its most recent quarterly report, the firm stated that it had received a letter from the Department in October 2008.

In March, we reported that Medtronic Inc. and Boston Scientific Inc. had confirmed that the Department of Justice was investigating their marketing of the devices. Another firm, AtriCure, agreed to pay $3.8 million to resolve allegations it marketed its surgical ablation devices for the unapproved purpose of treating atrial fibrillation.

It is estimated the about 80 percent of atrial fibrillation patients are effectively treated with drugs. Unfortunately, there are few studies available that compare the safety of ablation to other types of atrial fibrillation treatments. Since 2008, there have been at least five U.S. patient deaths reported to an FDA data base in procedures using AtriCure devices and one involving a Medtronic device.

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
Don't know where to begin, as I speak of ur honest n responsible worker Mrs. M.Josama if I had a law firm I would ask u to please except her resignation . She would have to work for my firm. One of a kind.
Ruth Rodriguez
4 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
My experience was very satisfactory and I achieved all my objectives in a fairly short time and thanks to my contact in that office Jorge Peniche who was very kind and efficient in our communications.
Roberto A Guzman
9 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Parker And Wakeman are without a doubt some of the absolute best of the best Attorneys around anywhere in the Tri state area and I’d like to give a big shout out to Ashley L her outstanding commitment to helping me every step of the way honestly she deserves a medal for her help and professionalism and all around kindness when I thought i was done she made me feel like I couldn’t lose and that’s the person any client would want taking care of them , Thank you so much Ashley I couldn’t have done without you, God Bless you and Parker and Wakeman is truly Blessed to have you working with them , I will refer anyone that needs an Attorney to your office, thanks again....
Anthony Sutton
3 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