Woman Sues Over Recalled Heart Device

-NBC

11/27/2007- A Bismarck woman is worried about potential problems with her implanted defibrillator and is suing the company that made it.

Winnifred Leverson is seeking class-action status in federal court in Bismarck against Medtronic Incorporated.

Medtronic has acknowledged that Sprint Fidelis wires break more often than expected. The wires connect the defibrillator to a patient`s heart. Medtronic says five deaths may be linked to wiring problems.

The lawsuit`s allegations include emotional distress, negligence -- and it seeks restitution and medical monitoring.

Medtronic spokesman Rob Clark said the company has no immediate comment on the lawsuit. He says many similar lawsuits have been filed since the leads were taken off the market.

Defibrillation leads are implanted in patients and used to deliver an electric shock to the heart to correct any abnormal beating.

Medtronic and the FDA estimate that fractures have occurred in less than one percent of the wires that have been implanted.

Ennis & Ennis, P.A. is representing individuals that have been harmed defective medical devices such as the Medtronic defibrillator and pacemaker. If you or a loved one have suffered as a result of a defective Medtronic pacemaker or defibrillator or if you need more information about the Medtronic recall or class action lawsuit click here for a free, confidential case evaluation.