Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICD) are small devices that are implanted below the collar bone to monitor and correct irregular rhythm of the heart (arrhythmias). Defibrillators release jolts of electricity that restore normal rhythms and prevent sudden cardiac death. These devices can also act as pacemakers when a slow heart rhythm is detected.
Defibrillators are used as a defense against arrhythmia, ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. A wire runs from the device through the right chambers of the heart, usually ending in the apex of the right ventricle. These devices are meant specifically for immediate defibrillation for high-risk patients.
Medtronic Recall on Cardiac Defibrillators
In February of 2005 Medtronic announced a recall on two models of their cardiac defibrillators. This recall was a result of possible battery defects in the Marquis and Maximo VR/DR defibrillators and the InSync I/II/III Marquis and InSync III Protect CRT-D lines. This recall included approximately 87,000 implantable cardioverter defibrillators manufactured between April 2001 and December 2003. These battery defects could result in device failure which could be potentially deadly if a necessary cardiac shock needs to be administered.
Read the FDA Press Release Warning Against Medtronic Implanted Defibrillators.
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