Medtronic Lawsuit Filed by Kentucky Resident Whose Defective Sprint Fidelis Defibrillator Lead Wire Caused Devastating Electrical Shocks
November 29th, 2007 amy
im Orange of Bowling Green, Kentucky has filed a lawsuit against Medtronic, maker of the defective Sprint Fidelis lead wires recalled last month. Kim Orange is one of many people whose leads malfunctioned and delivered unnecessary electrical shock to the heart.
Orange was hospitalized after receiving a series of severe shocks in August, which caused her to have to go through the risky surgical procedure of having her implanted defibrillator removed and replaced.
The procedure put unnecessary strain on her already ill heart.
“Ms. Orange’s life has been substantially affected by the incident.
Ms. Orange’s physician instructed her to take off work. “You fear that you have a ticking time bomb inside your body that could unexpectedly explode or be triggered by a quick movement or vibration,” Ms. Orange explained. “Exertion such as bending over to make a bed, mowing the lawn and other everyday tasks have become frightening experiences,”" a PRWeb.com press release states.
Medtronic recalled its Sprint Fidelis lead in October 2007, but not soon enough to save hundreds of thousands of people from being implanted with the potentially deadly defibrillator wires prone to malfunction. At least five people have died as a result. The wires in the leads are thin and may fracture, causing unnecessary life-threatening electrical shocks in some cases. In other cases, the fracture makes the defibrillator stop sending necessary life-saving shocks, accounting for unnecessary heart failure, even death.
Per the PRWeb.com press release, “”The defect is potentially fatal.
Yet, Medtronic has not agreed to compensate patients for their extreme injuries and having to undergo invasive surgeries to replace the fractured leads.” Orange’s attorney said. “Only by filing a lawsuit or otherwise making a claim against Medtronic can injured patients obtain justice and compensation for their injuries.”"
