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

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In order to prevent a potentially deadly manufacturing defect from causing serious injury, Guidant Corporation recalled a number of their popular Vitality AVT Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators on June 17 th 2005. Although no deaths have been linked to these devices, Guidant suspects that at least 18,000 similar machines still in the U.S. might be prone to failure.

Vitality AVT is more discrete than similar devices, and smaller than the standard size and shape of two half dollars held together implanted in the upper left chest. This is to make the implant less obvious in thinner people or people with smaller frames. It is intended to provide atrial therapy to prevent the patient from developing an arrhythmia or ventrical tachycardia. The device monitors heartbeat, provides stimulation, and records the instance for assessment later.

Unfortunately a flaw in the memory system of the Vitality AVT can sometimes prevent it from recognizing the symptoms of a cardiac event which reduces the possibility of the device from delivering proper therapy.

Even though the Food and Drug Administration did not mandate a recall of the Vitality AVT, Guidant decided that remove this device from the market for further tests. Upon further study it was understood that a programming change could address the problem. Your doctor should have more information regarding what the right line of action is for you.

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.