Guidant Halts Use Of Defibrillators

Ed Smith

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Medical device maker Guidant Corporation has announced a series of recalls culminating in a September 22, 2005 recall, recalling nearly 100,000 implanted defibrillators and pacemakers because of potential electrical malfunctions. The defect essentially places patients at risk as a result of an internal short circuit which comes without warning and can either result in a failure to deliver a shock to the heart when needed or, deliver a shock to the heart when not needed. This, obviously, can lead to serious life threatening consequences and events.

Advances in science and technology have led to the creation of medical devices that allow patients to live a longer, more comfortable life. Unfortunately, there are flaws in manufacture and operation in some of these devices which lead to injury and death. The Guidant Corporation recently recalled several models of its implanted defibrillators which affects over 50,000 implant victims.

Companies that manufacture or sell products must be held accountable for their actions including the sale of defective products.