Woman describes pain suffered by defective defibrillator leads
A personal injury lawsuit against Medtronic has been filed on behalf of a Kentucky woman in Minnesota state court. Kim Orange seeks damages for physical pain related to electrical shocks she suffered as well as for medical expenses she incurred and will incur for future medical care. Ms. Orange was taken to a medical center after suffering three electrical shocks caused by the defective Sprint Fidelis lead wiring that connected her heart to the defibrillator. At the medical center she suffered two additional shocks the same day and had to undergo surgery to remove the flawed device and implant a new defibrillator system. The extraction of the old and the implantation of the new lead system and defibrillator scarred her frail heart further. She expresses the pain and suffering she endured, “I felt like I was being repeatedly shot or kicked in the chest by a horse. The pain was intense and has the power to knock you down or out of a chair.” She goes on to explain, “You fear that you have a ticking time bomb inside your body that could unexpectedly explode or be triggered by a quick movement or vibration. Exertion such as bending over to make a bed, mowing the lawn and other everyday tasks have become frightening experiences.” Ms. Orange’s physician advised her to take off work. It appears the defect is attributed to the small diameter of the coil and conductors used in the leads, because of this they are subject to stress damage during and after implant. Fracturing then occurs when the conductors are strained.
