While implantable defibrillators can help to save lives, they have also led to numerous recalls over the years. A defective implantable defibrillator can lead to serious injuries or even death.
Injuries incurred from a dangerous medical device may lead to a Chicago product liability claim.
A Chicago defective product attorney can help determine issues of liability if your injuries were the result of a defective implantable defibrillator.
Your Chicago defective product attorney will examine the role of all potentially liable parties, which could include the manufacturer of the dangerous medical device or even the doctor if they knowingly implanted a defective medical device.
What is an Implantable Defibrillator?
An implantable defibrillator is also known as an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). This medical device is used to detect and normalize abnormalities in the heart’s rhythm, using electrical shock. This can help prevent a patient from experiencing sudden cardiac death.
The ICD is made up of several important parts. A pulse generator, which is implanted under the skin, is responsible for sending a shock to the heart. The circuit inside the device alerts the generator to send the shock. There are also wires, called electrodes that connect to the heart through the veins. The electrodes actually carry the shock to the heart.
If any of these vital parts are defective, it could lead to a malfunction. A defective implantable defibrillator can lead to devastating consequences, seriously harming or even killing the patient.
Patients Who Benefit from an Implantable Defibrillator
Certain patients will benefit from receiving an implantable defibrillator. Doctors must ensure that a patient is not only a good candidate but that they are receiving a safe medical device. Doctors who knowingly place a defective implantable defibrillator inside a patient could be held liable for any injuries received.
Patients who benefit from receiving an implantable defibrillator include those with:
- a weak heart;
- ventricular fibrillation;
- ventricular tachycardia;
- dilated cardiomyopathy;
- hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; and
- reduced function of pumping to the heart.
Doctors have a duty to ensure that a patient is receiving not only a safe medical device but a necessary one.
Complications from a Defective Implantable Defibrillator
There are not only inherent risks to any type of surgery that is performed but there are specific risks to a patient who is using a defective implantable defibrillator.
Complications of a defective implantable defibrillator can include:
defect in the lead (either a fracture or movement out of place) that goes into the heart, which can result in unnecessary electrical shocks to the heart or a loss of effectiveness of the ICD;
- movement of generator, which can lead to bleeding, skin erosion and pain;
- failure to operate properly, which can lead a patient to suffer cardiac arrest without receiving the necessary shock; and
- inappropriate shocks that cause unnecessary pain and may lead to emotional trauma.
How a Chicago Defective Product Attorney Can Help You
If you have been seriously injured because of a defective implantable defibrillator, your Chicago defective product attorney can help determine whether your ICD was a recalled dangerous medical device.
Even if an ICD is recalled after a procedure, your doctor has a duty to ensure that it is removed and replaced with a safer one. If a doctor fails to do so, this could result in liability. Additionally, anyone involved in the making or selling of a dangerous medical device could also be held liable for damages.
A Chicago defective product attorney is your best resource in helping you determine whether you have a valid Chicago product liability claim. They can gather your medical records and any other necessary evidence to build a strong argument for your case.
Contact a Chicago Defective Product Attorney Today
The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have tried many cases like yours and understand the intricacies of a product liability claim involving defective medical devices. For a no-cost case evaluation and help preparing your evidence contact us today – 312-263-1080
