Recall: St. Jude Medical Riata and Raiata ST silicone endocardial defibrillator leads

Approximately 79,000 patients have implantable cardioverter defibrillator leads manufactured by St. Jude Medical are part of a class 1 recall because of electrical dysfunction. The insulation on the electrical leads wear away too quickly causing conductor exposure. This can result in inappropriate shocks to the person, or a failure to shock the person’s heart if abnormal heart rhythms are present. 22 deaths have been reported due to the St Jude defibrillator lead failures so far. 

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators, or pacemakers are used to treat patients with heart problems such as cardiac arrythmias, syncope (fainting spells), congestive heart failure, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.  The lot numbers of the faulty leads are:

• Riata (8F) Silicone Endocardial Defibrillation Leads
• Models: 1560, 1561, 1562, 1570, 1571, 1572, 1580, 1581, 1582, 1590, 1591, 1592
• Riata ST (7Fr) Silicone Endocardial Defibrillation Leads 
• Models: 7000, 7001, 7002, 7010, 7011, 7040, 7041, 7042

These affected lots were distributed from June 2001 through December 2010.

If you or loved one suffered injury or death from the dangerous prematurely wearing St. Jude Medical defibrillator leads, you may be eligible for damages. Call the Sweeney Law Firm and let us review the facts. If we take your dangerous product injury case, there is no cost for representation unless there is a settlement or recovery of funds made on your behalf.