Parker Waichman LLP

Boston Scientific Defibrillators Pose Dangers

  Defibrillators May Cause Life-Threatening Shocks. Boston Scientific Corp.’s Cognis and Teligen brand defibrillators have a design flaw that can cause them to deliver unneeded, painful, and life-threatening shocks, according to an article in the journal HeartRhythm. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the article’s authors say the Cognis and Teligen defibrillator defect could affect […]

Boston Scientific Defibrillators

 

Defibrillators May Cause Life-Threatening Shocks. Boston Scientific Corp.’s Cognis and Teligen brand defibrillators have a design flaw that can cause them to deliver unneeded, painful, and life-threatening shocks, according to an article in the journal HeartRhythm. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the article’s authors say the Cognis and Teligen defibrillator defect could affect any of the more than 90,000 devices implanted in patients right now.

In December, Boston Scientific reported that the part connecting the defibrillator’s case to the leads to the heart had come loose on defibrillators implanted under the chest muscles of two patients. However, the company said in January that the problem had been fixed on defibrillators in production.

Boston Scientific also said the problem was limited only to those patients who had a Cognis or Teligen defibrillator implanted under their chest muscles, rather than those who had it under the skin. About 5 percent of patients receiving the devices have had them implanted under chest muscles.

Design defect recently caused a Cognis defibrillator to deliver an unnecessary shock to the heart

According to the HeartRhythm article, the design defect recently caused a Cognis defibrillator to deliver an unnecessary shock to the heart of an 84-year-old man who had the device implanted just under his skin.

The authors said Boston Scientific has received two other reports of problems in patients who got the defibrillators implanted above their chest muscles, The Wall Street Journal said.

William Maisel, an authority on medical device safety and an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, and Joseph Germano at Winthrop University Hospital in Mineola, N.Y. authored the article.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Germano has been paid to speak on behalf of Boston Scientific and other device makers.

Boston Scientific did confirm those reports in a statement it issued Wednesday. However, according to The Wall Street Journal, the company said its own testing showed the problem didn’t cause the defibrillator to deliver inappropriate shocks. Boston Scientific also criticized HeartRhythm for publishing the article without a “detailed engineering analysis.”

Need Legal Help Regarding Defibrillators?

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
Excellent supportive staff, they fight for you every step of the way.
darleen krimetz
6 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Parker Waichman LLP has provided outstanding client service. Working with Christina Morace made the process seamless. She was diligent, timely, and proficient. She always kept me abreast of my case. I am thankful for their service and highly recommend the firm to my friends and family for their outstanding, speedy, and courteous service. Edith J. Barrow
Charmaine Gray
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
They were thorough, courteous professional, compassionate and efficient every step of the way. I felt very competent and secure knowing they were handling my case.
louie m
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