In July 2005, thousands of Guidant pacemakers were recalled because of a defective "sealing component” that allowed fluid to leak into the device. The recall notice warns patients and doctors that the faulty pacemakers may need to be replaced requiring another surgery.

Nine Guidant pacemaker models that were made between 1997 and 2000 have been recalled (see models at right). The recall was prompted after 69 recent reports of pacemaker failures in which patients lost consciousness when their pacemakers either stopped pacing or rapidly increased their heart rates.

Boston Scientific / Guidant faces hundreds of lawsuits related to its pacemaker and defibrillator products. Of significance, in early 2008, KCR settled a $240 million case on behalf of clients who had defective implanted Guidant defibrillators.

Proven Results

• $240 Million Guidant Defibrillator Settlement — KCR clients who were injured by malfunctioning Guidant cardiac defibrillators will claim shares of the $240 million fund as part of a 2008 nationwide settlement.
  
• In a confidential settlement, our attorneys successfully resolved a case against Johnson & Johnson on behalf of over 200 individuals who alleged that they contracted post operative infections from sutures that had not been properly sterilized.
  
• In another case, we successfully resolved a case against a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary, Ethicon, Inc. on behalf of approximately 56 women who allege that they were injured by a defective medical device known as Intergel.

If you or a loved one has received a recalled Guidant pacemaker or defibrillator, contact one of our medical device attorneys to talk about your case. You may be entitled to payment by Boston Scientific / Guidant for any additional surgery or medical treatment, as well as other damages including lost wages and pain and suffering.