Unexpected and inappropriate shocks to the heart

Jackson underwent emergency surgery to replace the defibrillator but continued to have anxiety from the experience. He says he is now at an increased risk of cardiovascular events or death because of the inappropriate shocks to his heart, which is causing him pain, extreme anxiety, fear of death and great physical, emotional and psychological suffering.

Jackson’s case is one of several that have come to light over the years after patients reported experiencing sometimes excruciatingly painful electric shocks in their chest. Certain models of the leads, which connect to the defibrillators, were found to have fractured, causing the defibrillators to unnecessarily shock patients or fail to work altogether. As a result, on October 15, 2007, Medtronic suspended the sale of its Sprint Fidelis Defibrillator Leads. To date, Medtronic has reported 13 fatalities associated with the faulty leads.

Jackson’s complaint contends that Medtronic did not provide him with notice of the increased fracturing risk and made unconscionable or fraudulent representations regarding the product.

SOURCE: Sprint Fidelis Lead Recall › Texas man suffers from PTSD from defective cardiac defibrillator