ICD Recall For Medtronic Yet Again

Medtronic disclosed the latest issue early Monday, saying that it decided to pull the “Sprint Fidelis” brand of leads for defibrillators, or ICDs, because they are prone to fracturing and potentially causing major problems. The issue may have contributed to five deaths, Medtronic said.

Here we go again. This can’t be good given the already dark shadow that was cast upon ICD’s in the major recall that occurred in 2005. And because of limited supplies Medtronic won’t be able to re-supply patients until later in the fiscal year. I think it is safe to say that there will be an enormous monetary implication due to this.

If you have concerns, put a call into your doctor and they will put a call into consultants for Medtronic. Remember that with this recall, the wires are the culprit, which have always been an issue when it comes to implantable defibrillators, and not the box itself. Also remember that the risk of the wires splicing has to out way the risk of removing the wires from your chest, after scar tissue has adhered and such.

What do you think this will do to the multi billion ICD industry? Or is this just another little bump in the road?

via CNNMoney.com