Heart disease and irregularity can be treated in multiple ways. If you have a slow heartbeat, otherwise known as bradycardia, the most common treatment is a pacemaker. A pacemaker is a three part device made up of a lead, the actual pacemaker device and a programmer. The lead is implanted in or on the surface of the heart and it is connected to the actual pacemaker device which is implanted in the body. The pacemaker has a small battery and it speeds up the heart rate of the patient to ensure that sufficient blood and oxygen are flowing throughout the body. The programmer is the third device and this is actually kept with your doctor or healthcare practitioner. They will use the programmer to monitor the pacemaker and its progress to ensure that it is working optimally.
In thousands of instances, pacemakers have made it possible for sufferers of bradycardia to live more normal and healthy lives. By ensuring that sufficient oxygen is flowing throughout the body and that the heart is maintaining a healthy rhythm, these patients will have more energy and be able to live a healthy and happy lifestyle while engaging in other treatments to improve the condition of their heart. There are several companies well known for their pacemakers, like Medtronic pacemakers.
As with other medical devices, pacemakers have been known to have some technical issues and have caused problems in some patients. Specifically, in February of 2005, Medtronic issues warnings about their implantable defibrillators and their pacemakers. Apparently, in several of their older models of Medtronic pacemakers, wires have begun to separate from the units, resulting in symptoms like fatigue and dizziness. Although no deaths have been reported from this malfunction, if you have been injured as a result of the problem, you may have grounds to seek redress or compensation.
Additionally, some Medtronic pacemakers and defibrillators have had problems with battery depletion. There is an internal short circuit that can retard the batteries function and therefore compromise the ability of the unit to maintain heart rhythms. If you have a Medtronic pacemaker of defibrillator, you should know what model it is, what the age of the unit is and you should consult with your physician as to the risks of the model. In some cases, Medtronic may have recalled your pacemaker and you will need to have it replaced immediately.
If you have any of the Medtronic pacemaker units or defibrillators that have been recalled implanted in your body, or a unit that may pose a risk, you should also consult with an experienced medical device or product liability attorney. In most cases, Medtronic has absorbed many costs, including that of a replacement pacemaker or defibrillator and additional expenses – but statutes of limitations may apply to your case. If that is true, you need to act quickly to ensure you are properly cared for and compensated. If you have lost a loved one due to a pacemaker or medical device malfunction, it is equally important that you consult with an attorney.