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

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On June17th, 2005, Guidant Corporation announced that due to a potentially dangerous manufacturing defect it was recalling 18,000 Ventak Prizm AVT devices. There have been two reports of failure of the Ventak Prizm AVT, and although no serious injuries or fatalities have been attributed to this device, there is still potential for catastrophic failure.

The Ventak Prizm AVT is an Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator intended to prevent the heart from entering a condition called fibrillation and provide atrial therapy. Fibrillation is the spastic contraction of the heart muscle that prevents blood from circulating throughout the body. The ICD is implanted in the upper chest, and is about the size of two half dollars held together.

When an irregular heartbeat is detected the device provides an electric shock and monitors the conditions that precede the event in order to properly prepare for further occurrences. Unfortunately a programming flaw in the Ventak Prizm AVT prevents the device from properly recognizing the appropriate signals that an arrhythmia is imminent.

Guidant recommends that doctors who treat patients with Ventak Prizm AVTs should notify them immediately of the right treatment for their situation. If you have a Ventak Prizm AVT and you have received a shock recently, inform your doctor and go to the nearest emergency room. Your life may be in your hands.

If you or someone you love has a Ventak Prizm AVT you need to consult an attorney immediately. You only have so much time to press your case due to statute of limitation restrictions, so every day you hesitate makes you more a victim of greedy medical corporations who disregard your safety in order to make money.

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.