Guidant Defibrillators (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators, ICD) and Pacemakers
Guidant defibrillators are small computer devices implanted into the body to regulate heart rate and other heart function in
persons who have heart disease. These devices are referred to in medical terminology as Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators or ICD.
Guidant is one of the largest produces of defibrillators or ICDs.
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On Oct. 15, 2007, Medtronic suspended all sales of Sprint Fidelis leads. Please click here to read more about the Medtronic recall. |
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Heart Failure
Heart failure (cardiac arrest) occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood. This condition is one of the leading killers
in the United States and is responsible for 200,000 to 400,000 deaths each year. The most common causes of cardiac arrest are
two heart-rhythm disorders, also known as arrhythmias: ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. Tachycardia produces a
dangerously fast heartbeat. Fibrillation produces a heart rate that is so fast and chaotic, that no, or only a limited amount of blood,
is pumped from the heart. Both of these conditions can be treated with defibrillators similar to the Guidant defibrillators or ICDs
recently recalled by the FDA.
How a Defibrillator Works
A defibrillator constantly monitors the heart rate and rhythm. If an abnormality is detected by the ICD, then an electrical impulse
(shock) or a series of impulses are delivered to various locations on the heart to restore normal heart function.
A defibrillator is individually programmed by the physician for the specific heart problem of the patient.
The specific types of heart therapies available for programming by a physician include the following:
Anti-Tachycardia Pacing (ATP): When the heart beats too fast, a condition called tachycardia occurs.
To remedy tachycardia, the ICD delivers a series of small electrical impulses to the heart muscle to restore a normal heart rate and rhythm.
Cardioversion: When pacing electrical impulses, such as ATP, do not provide a return to a normal heart rate,
then cardioversion is used. Cardioversion provides one low-energy shock, delivered to the heart to return the heart rate to normal.
Defibrillation: Defibrillation is used when to stop a fibrillation event. It is one high-energy shock, typically to the ventricle.
Bradycardia Pacing: When the heart beats too slowly, a condition called bradycardia occurs. Bradycardia pacing delivers
constant electrical impulses to the heart to speed up the heart rate. This function is very similar to that of a pacemaker.
Defibrillator Design
The defibrillator has two components: the leads and the pulse generator. Each lead is a long, thin wire that is placed on a
certain location on the heart and monitors the heart rhythms. If an irregular heart rate is detected, then it delivers electrical
energy for pacing, defibrillation or cardioversion. The pulse generator houses a small computer that receives the signals
from the lead and determines if the proper heart rhythm is occurring. When an irregularity is detected, then the pulse generator
sends an electrical signal to the heart tissue, through the lead, from the energy stored in a battery.
There are different types of ICDs. The ICD leads can be attached to only one heart chamber, typically the ventricle,
and this is called a single chamber ICD. The leads can be attached to both chambers on the same side of the heart
(atrium and ventricle), and this is called a dual chamber ICD. The most complex type of ICD, the biventricular ICD, is
designed specifically for patients with heart failure and has leads attached to three chambers (right atrium, right ventricle and left ventricle).
How a Defibrillator Is Implanted
Defibrillators may be implanted in two ways. The endocardial (transvenous) is the most common method, and the defibrillator is
implanted in an area away from the heart. During the procedure, a small incision is made under the collar bone. A lead or leads are
inserted into a vein and guided into the heart chamber(s). The pulse generator is placed under the skin in the upper chest area
and attached to the leads. The pulse generator is programmed for the specific heart condition of the patient.
The second implant technique is the epicardial approach, which places the defibrillator on the outside of the heart.
The epicardial technique requires open heart surgery wherein the lead(s) are sewn directly into the heart tissue, instead of
inserting the leads through a vein. The epicardial approach is much more dangerous than the endocardial and can require two to five hours of
surgery.
About the Sponsors of this Pacemaker and Defibrillator Information Website
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a defective pacemaker or defibrillator product manufactured by Guidant, you
may be entitled to compensation. The sponsors of this website are attorneys who specialize in helping those who have been injured
by defective products. Please contact our offices today so that one of our Guidant lawyers may answer any questions that you
have and provide a free case review if needed. Our toll-free number is 888-255-AWKO (2956).
If warranted, we can file a Guidant lawsuit to help obtain the proper compensation.
The sponsors of this website include: Aylstock, Witkin & Sasser, Guidant Litigation Group; Neblett, Beard & Arsenault;
Andrus, Boudreaux, Lemoine & Tonore; Lundy & Davis, LLP; and Barrios, Kingsdorf & Casteix, LLP.
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