Parker Waichman LLP

Sprint Fidelis Lead Fracture Rates Questioned

  Risk Of A Sprint Fidelis Fracture “increased significantly”. How often does Medtronic Inc.’s  recalled Sprint Fidelis defibrillator lead  fracture? According to some major hospitals, more often than what Medtronic has stated. According to The Wall Street Journal, Medtronic says its own research shows the Sprint Fidelis leads survive for three years at least 95.4% of […]

Sprint Fidelis Defibrillator

 

Risk Of A Sprint Fidelis Fracture “increased significantly”. How often does Medtronic Inc.’s  recalled Sprint Fidelis defibrillator lead  fracture? According to some major hospitals, more often than what Medtronic has stated.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Medtronic says its own research shows the Sprint Fidelis leads survive for three years at least 95.4% of the time, for a failure rate of 4.6%. But a report from the University of Rochester published in the January issue of the American Journal of Cardiology said the three-year survival rate of 426 Medtronic leads inserted in patients there was 90.8%, meaning 9.2% failed.

A report from the Mayo Clinic published last February in the journal HeartRhythm said the estimated rate of failure among 848 leads implanted there after three years of use was 12.1%.

What Is A Lead?

Another HeartRhythm study published in October 2008 by the University of Ottawa found the risk of a ‘Sprint Fidelis’ facture “increased significantly with time.” In November, a separate Mayo Clinic study showed the failure rate for ‘Sprint Fidelis’ leads after two years was 20.4% in patients younger than 50, while the rate in older patients was only 3.5%.

A lead is a wire that connects an implantable defibrillator to the heart. If a lead breaks, the defibrillator can emit a massive and painful shock. And in the worse case scenario, the fractured lead can prevent a defibrillator from sending a necessary, lifesaving shock to the heart.

Medtronic Inc.’s Sprint Fidelis lead was removed from the market in October 2007, following reports of 5 deaths due to lead fractures. In March 2009, we reported that Medtronic sent a letter to doctors informing them that the faulty wires were a “possible or likely contributing factor” in as many as 13 deaths.

Four of the deaths occurred when doctors tried to remove defective Sprint Fidelis leads from patients. Now, The Wall Street Journal is reporting that according to the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) database, 12 additional deaths allegedly linked to the ‘Sprint Fidelis’ have been reported to the agency since last March.

Need Legal Help Regarding Sprint Fidelis?

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
Very good law firm Joanne Stevens great person to deal with and staying on top of asking and handling my injuries. Julie Trinidad as the paralegal as well always on top of case and quick response very good people
Steven Palmiotto
4 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I've been working with Teresa on my hernia mesh lawsuit and she has been fantastic. She provides quick and thoughtful communication, while cheering me on through my surgeries. Highly recommend.
Jason Harish
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I used Parker waichman for my wtc victim compensation suit. They were amazing. They did everything for me and the staff was extremely friendly and knowledgeable of all my needs. I highly recommend parker waichman to anyone who needs legal advice or service.
paulsr
a month 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