Medical Device

Sprint Fidelis Lead

Headquartered in Minneapolis, Medtronic Inc. was at the forefront of implantable cardiac device development. In 2004, the leading medical technology company introduced the Sprint Fidelis lead, which improved on other defibrillator lead models. The Sprint Fidelis lead was thinner, allowing doctors to easily thread the lead through the heart. After receiving FDA approval, the Sprint Fidelis lead was used in nearly 270,000 defibrillators by 2007.

Unfortunately, the Medtronic Sprint Fidelis lead was not properly tested before being approved by the FDA. Shortly after the Sprint Fidelis lead was released into the market, doctors found that the leads were breaking two to three years after implantation. The defective defibrillator lead caused unnecessary shocks to patients or failed to provide a necessary, life-saving shock to the heart. After proper investigation, Medtronic had received at least 13 deaths related to the defective Sprint Fidelis lead.

In Oct. 2007, Medtronic recalled the Sprint Fidelis leads, model numbers 6930, 6931, 6948, 6949. To determine if your defibrillator lead has been recalled, check your patient ID card and look for the model number.

A defibrillator is an electronic device used to correct irregular heart rhythms by administering a short electrical shock to the heart. A defibrillator can be external, implanted or transvenous. Implantable defibrillators are similar to pacemakers as they monitor the patient’s heartbeat and automatically send shocks for arrhythmias based on the device’s programming.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective Medtronic Sprint Fidelis lead, fill out our free case review form on the right. Our defective defibrillator lead attorneys will contact you to determine whether you are eligible for compensation for your suffering.

Medical Device: Defective Medical Device Examples

• Boston Scientific Taxus Stent
• Composix Kugel Mesh X-Large Patch
• Guidant Defibrillators
• Guidant Implantable Pacemakers
• Guidant Multi-Link Vision Stent
• Guidant Pacemakers
• Johnson and Johnson Cypher Stent
• Medtronic Defibrillators
• Knee Implants
• St Jude Aortic Connector
• St Jude Defibrillators
• Duragesic Pain Patch
• Sprint Fidelis Lead
• NuvaRing
• Shoulder Pain Pumps
• Transvaginal Mesh
• Zimmer Durom Cup Hip Socket Implant
• Avaulta Vaginal Mesh Complications