Lead letter -

My device was implanted less than six weeks ago - with - you guessed it - the potentially defective 6949 lead. I have seen several references to a "Dear Physician" letter that Medtronics sent to doctors in March of 2007 (six months prior to my implant) warning them of the higher than expected failure rate of these leads. I have not been able to find the content of this letter. Does any one know where I can find a copy of it? I am really distressed to think my doctor may have used these leads knowing that medtronics had concerns about their safety. Thanks - PD


3 Comments

Several ways..

by auntiesamm - 2007-10-17 01:10:32

Go to the FDA website and do a search for Medtronic letter to physicians, or Medtronic defective 6949 lead, etc. Have you tried the Medtronic website? There is a problem with the Guidant PM I have which was announced about the time mine was implanted last year. I had to do some digging to find it but the FDA site was super! I imagine we will see more in the news about this. Good luck and stay well! I will life you up in prayer.
Sharon

Defective Products

by ted - 2007-10-17 02:10:26

I would be distressed too to learn that my doctor(s) had implanted a possibly defective product into my body. Some of us including myself were given Guidant pacemakers a few years ago that were potentially defective, but it was not the fault of the doctor because Guidant had hidden the truth about the defects so it could keep making money selling it's junk to an unsuspecting public. But in your case there is no excuse because your doctors should have known about the problems. You might want to sit your doctor down face to face and ask him to explain to you what he knew, and when he knew it. Ted

Lead letter -

by pacepal - 2007-10-17 08:10:43

Good morning...I just read your request..have found the letter in question on the Medtronic website...try this.http://www.medtronic.com/fidelis/physician-letter.html...if it does not work for you..email me at celone@gcinet.net and I will send you the page.
Karen.

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