Guidant Corp. voluntarily recalled nearly 50,000 of its cardiac defibrillators worldwide because of potential malfunctions in the devices.

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Due to a potentially fatal flaw in the design of the Prizm 2 DR, Guidant Corporation announced a voluntary recall of these Internal Cardiac Defibrillators on June 17th, 2005.

These devices are implanted in people who are in danger of developing an arrhythmia; a dangers irregular heartbeat that can lead to spastic contractions of the heart called fibrillation. Fibrillation can cause heart attacks, strokes, and even death if left untreated.

There have been 28 reports of the Ventak Prizm 2 DR failing in patients around the world. 26,000 of these ICDs Model 1861 were built before April 2002, and approximately 17,000 of them are still in use by patients today. There has been one death attributed to the failure of the Ventak Prizm 2 DR.

The problem with these units derives from deterioration in a wire in the lead connector block that can cause a short circuit. This prevents the ICD from providing the electric shock necessary to maintain a proper heartbeat.

Guidant recommends that doctors notify any patients with the Ventak Prizm 2 DR in order to apprise them of the proper course of action. If you have a Ventak Prizm 2 DR and have received a defibrillation shock recently you should contact your doctor immediately or go to your nearest emergency room.

The Law Firms of Steigerwalt & Associates and Provost * Umphrey have joined forces to help victims of serious injury and death as a result of defective and recalled Guidant defibrillators and pacemakers throughout the country. Our firms have spent many years successfully helping injured people and their families with mass tort and defective product cases around the U.S. We are dedicated to pursuing justice for our clients and fighting for the rights of the injured. Together our law firms can help you - regardless of where you live.