Medtronic Recall - Fractured Leads

I was unfortunate to have and ICD by Medtronic, implanted in Sept 2005. I was caught up in the Recall of my device. The Medtronic reps adjusted some settings after I had been zapped on numerous occasions, The Lawyers did their song and dance and I dont know where the settlement went, But I was simply trying to live stress free. Fast Forward to May 25, 2013, Device began beeping days after an interrogation. Went to the Cardio Clinic and my batteries are depleted. But, there's one little problem; Remember those leads that were the center of so much controversy and Litigation? "We capped yours and now they must be removed"They want me to sign a waiver holding the Surgeon harmless if things go wrong, and they warned me of the risk with a straight face and a smile, because my leads fractured years ago, they are very dangerous to deal with and will eventually Kill me if not replaced. But you, having taken a Hippocratic oath, masked/Hid this problem during litigation and now you Tell me.. Somebody Please tell me something to shed some light on this. I am VERY ANGRY at these people. The first time when the recall began, and the lawyers got involved, I let it go for Peace of Mind- Never saw any settlement Money...HELP

4 Comments

few questions...

by donr - 2013-06-01 10:06:05

Rob: These answered should help others who try to answer your plea for help.

1) What does a pair of capped off fractured leads have to do w/ the new ID beeping? They are not connected tro it, are they?

2) The capped leads have been in there since 2005. They should be thoroughly encapsulated in tissue along their entire length in the vein. Why are they a threat to you under those circumstances?

3) Why the request for a waiver? That truly seems weird. You should not waive your rights if the surgeon proves incompetent & comes in totally impaired for whatever reason.

Don

I would suggest a second opinion in this case.

He must be kidding..

by Jax - 2013-06-02 11:06:15

I would never waive my rights-- would the doc sign something waiving his rights. I don't think so. I agree with Don and Zia-- a second opinion or even a third is called for.

Don's right

by Zia - 2013-06-02 11:06:43

You should never waive your rights going into such a procedure. What is the surgeon afraid of? The medical "profession" seems to be spending more time on CYA than on helping patients. I agree with the suggestion for a second opinion.
Z

Ditto

by francine1 - 2013-06-05 09:06:24

I agree with the above suggestions! Although my story is different I sought a second opinion at the Cleveland Clinic for my situation and am soooo glad that I did. You can read my story under francine1. I too have a Medtronic, no recall, broken atrial lead which was intertwined (like grapevine) around the ventricle lead. All were replaced at Cleveland Clinic on May 1. The original was placed 2/2010. My former cardiologist strongly advised against this. I'm glad I didn't listen!

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