Device Recalls

Not sure what topic to place this under since there is no topic for Device Recalls. Maybe there should be? 

Anyhow. about the current recall:

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., Aug. 29, 2017 – Today, Abbott notified physicians of updates to its implantable pacemakers and defibrillators as part of its ongoing commitment to continuously improve patient care. The new device updates include a Battery Performance Alert for our implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) that provides physicians with earlier warning of the potential for the low risk of premature battery depletion. They also include a planned update to pacemaker firmware (a kind of software) to add additional security protections designed to reduce the risk of unauthorized access to patients' pacemakers.

Has anyone had the new firmware downloaded/updated to their PM that prevents hackers/terroist from accessing their Pacemaker yet? 

https://www.sjm.com/~/media/galaxy/patients/heart-vascular/arrhythmias/resources-support/cybersecurity/pacemaker-firmware-update-patient-guide-aug2017-us.pdf?la=en

6 Comments

recalls

by Tracey_E - 2017-09-24 09:50:57

If you do a search for recalls, there are probably a dozen other discussions here about this. 

All anyone can do remotely is read our devices. In order to reprogram them, they'd have to be withing a few feet of us as well as have something capable of hacking our particular device. I haven't lost any sleep over this. I have SJM, but didn't even bother looking up if my device is affected. 

Recalls are few and far between so no need for a separate category for them. Anything that doesn't fall into a specific category can go under General,. 

Tracey

Moderator

Recall

by BatteryPwrd - 2017-09-24 12:34:06

The firmware update provides an additional layer of security for pacemakers. This update is intended to prevent anyone other than your doctor from changing device settings. This basically say's changes could be made by hackers/terrorist with means known to such people. Means evidently suspected by the software/firmware developer; reason for the updates.  I asked because in my experience with computers I am in no rush for the new firmware/software to be installed. Only after time and use application is proven safe am I open to an update for the reason stated. On the other hand threats coming from a crazy leader of a country known for hacking and now threatening an H-Bomb EMP attack. Updating "Hardening" medical devices with new firmware/software may be the smart thing to do sooner than later. 

Crazy leader …… which one ?

by IAN MC - 2017-09-24 14:06:51

Battery Pwrd  

The chances of having a PM hacked are so very remote that it is not even worth thinking about .   I suppose you could wear a device to protect you from being struck by lightning but why  bother ?  

  I assume you are in the US . I think you have far more to worry about than having your PM hacked.   There is probably a North Korean PM club where the members are as scared as you are about other countries'  crazy leaders  

Ian

 

 

hack, hack, cough, cough...

by The real Patch - 2017-09-25 17:22:51

relax, for heaven sakes, I saw, looking at your data, there's nothing of interest there. No self respecting hacker will be interested. You might want to change your passwords though

My question was:

by BatteryPwrd - 2017-09-28 08:47:21

"Has anyone had the new firmware downloaded/updated to their PM that prevents hackers/terroist from accessing their Pacemaker yet? 

Whoa! why so aggressive about a simple question?

"You might want to change your passwords though"  - Yes Patch, a very good suggestion for everyone.:)

Cyber Update

by BatteryPwrd - 2017-09-29 07:48:57

 

https://www.sjm.com/en/patients/arrhythmias/resources-support/cyber-update

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You know you're wired when...

Bad hair days can be blamed on your device shorting out.

Member Quotes

The pacer systems are really very reliable. The main problem is the incompetent programming of them. If yours is working well for you, get on with life and enjoy it. You probably are more at risk of problems with a valve job than the pacer.