Heart Device Litigation FAQs

• Q: What are defibrillators?
  A: Defibrillators are small computer devices used to treat heart rate and heart rhythm abnormalities in patients who suffer from heart diseases. The devices are designed … More
• Q: How do I know if I have one of these devices?
  A: Guidant designs and manufactures three types of cardiac rhythm devices: pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), and cardiac resynchronization … More
• Q: What should I do if I have one of these devices?
  A: If you have questions or concerns, discuss them with your doctor. Your physician will consider your medical history and your dependency on your pacemaker to determine … More
• Q: What is the appropriate follow-up period for my pacemaker?
  A: Your patient handbook recommends regular device check-ups. Your physician may advise you that additional follow-up visits might be necessary to more closely monitor … More
• Q: If I have one of these devices, what is the likelihood that my device will fail?
  A: Guidant's implantable devices continue to demonstrate extremely high performance and reliability. There is no way to predict if any device within this subset of … More
• Q: What defibrillator models are being recalled?
  A: The Guidant defibrillators affected by this recall are: • PRIZM 2 DR, Model 1861, manufactured on or before April 16, 2002 • CONTAK RENEWAL, Model … More
• Q: What should patients do if they are uncertain about their own Guidant defibrillator? Are there warning signs of defectiveness?
  A: All patients who are currently implanted with a Guidant defibrillator are urged to seek immediate medical advice from their physicians to determine if they have an … More
• Q: Can I file a lawsuit for having a faulty defibrillator?
  A: Yes. Initially, Guidant indicated they would not cover the recall defibrillator replacements of more than five years old since they are off-warranty, but on the heels … More
• Q: How do I know if I have a recalled Medtronic heart device?
  A: This situation is limited to a group of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-Ds) incorporating … More
• Q: What should I do if I think I have an ICD or CRT-D device that could be affected?
  A: Please call your physician who follows the performance of your device to discuss the situation and their recommendations for your specific situation. Or, call the … More