Implantable Cardioverter-defibrillator

Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACSs) are clinical conditions that involve the rupture or erosion of plaque. Acute myocardial Infarction is one of its types. This is the leading cause of death in US and Western Europe. Mortality is high when treatment is delayed.

Psychological Stress and intensive physical exertion triggers MI attack. ACS commonly results when thrombus progresses and occludes blood flow. Occlusion of a vessels progresses through three stages:

1. Ischemia- blood flow and oxygen demand are out of balance. It can be resolved by improving flow or reducing oxygen demand.
2. Injury - when the ischemia is prolonged enough to damage the area of the heart.
3. Infarct- myocardial cells have died.

Thorough assessment is very essential and must be done quickly and so diagnostic test to be done can be determined and perform immediately.

MONA

M orphine

O xygen

N itroglycerin

A spirin

Above mnemonic is the common treatment to any patients experiencing ischemic chest pain or suspected ACS.

Complication of ACS may include: ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. If this complication occurs, there are separate treatment for this and more or less more invasive and massive.

Implantable cardioverter–defibrillator (ICD) is now considered as the first-line treatment and/or prophylactic therapy for patients who are at risk of developing ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. This is a device entrenched near the shoulder and one or more leads connecting the device to the heart. It delivers life-saving therapy to people who are in jeopardy for abnormally rapid heart paces that can cause abrupt cardiac arrest.

In the year 2004, Sprint Fidelis Defibrillator Leads which is an ICD was introduced to the market but was recalled last October 15, 2007 because a small number of fractures have been detected. When the lead breaks (fractures), it may cause unsuitable shocks or result in a loss of therapy, such as pacing or shocking. This Defective Defibrillator Leads had been linked to five deaths that used the device and the family of the victims filed a law suit against the manufacturer.

As of now, Medtronic Recall Lawyer is asking those with Medtronic Spring Fidelis lead to come out and consult them for free to know their rights as users of this defective device.