Consumer Alert: Guidant Defibrillators Recalled

According to news reports, several models of Guidant Cardioverter Defibrillators may have flaws that could cause them to short-circuit and malfunction and cause injury or death. Last month, Guidant disclosed that there were electrical problems with its Ventak Prizm 2 Defibrillators, of which approximately 24,000s have been implanted in persons worldwide. On Friday, June 17, Guidant announced a recall of the Ventak Prizm 2 and additional model ICD's. The Guidant recall includes:

• VENTAK PRIZM 2 DR (Model 1861) ICDs manufactured on or before April 16, 2002.
• CONTAK RENEWAL (Model H135) and CONTAK RENEWAL 2 (Model H155) CRT-Ds manufactured on or before August 26, 2004.
• VENTAK PRIZM AVT, VITALITY AVT, RENEWAL 3 AVT and RENEWAL 4 AVT ICDs (All series numbers).

The manufacturer, Guidant Corporation, is headquartered in St. Paul Minnesota.

Guidant Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICD) are implanted devices that detect abnormal heart rhythms (ventricular arrhythmias) and shock the heart back to a normal rate. The devices consists of a pulse generator (a battery and electronic circuitry) connected to one or two insulated wires (leads). The pulse generator is usually implanted under the collarbone, just beneath the skin. The main lead is inserted into the lower right heart chamber (the right ventricle). A second lead may be placed in the upper right heart chamber (the right atrium).

If you or your loved one is implanted with the Guidant Ventak Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator that has experienced a short circuit, and you wish to consult with us, please call Gary Wilson at 612-349-8413, or Tara Sutton  at 612-349-8577 (or call 1-800-553-9910).  You can also send them an e-mail by clicking on this link: contact us.