The Riata defibrillator leads, manufactured by St. Jude Medical, have recently been linked to heart perforation in patients. The lead wire is attached to the heart wall and delivers an electrical impulse via the ICD. Reports of potential defects and malfunctions began November 2007.
What is the problem with the St. Jude Riata Defibrillator Lead?
The St. Jude Riata Leads are specific models of cardiac electrodes (thin wires) that connect an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) directly to the heart. ICDs are devices that protect patients when life-threatening heart rhythms occur. Reports emerged recently that St. Jude Riata Defibrillator Lead wires had perforated the hearts of some patients. The medicine journal “Heart Rhythm”, reported a perforation rate of 3.8% at Massachusetts General Hospital. New York Hospital Queens reported 5 out of 59 Riata leads had perforated the patient’s heart. One reported instance stated the wire had perforated the heart and almost the patient’s skin. Some hospitals have stopped using the Riata lead all together.
Side Effects of the St. Jude Riata Defibrillator Lead
There are a variety of side effects associated with the St. Jude Defibrillator Lead. Our firm is pursing the following types of serious, life-threatening side effects:
- Unnecessary shocks
- Thumping in Chest
- Burning Sensation
- Faintness
- Death