• Contak Renewal Model H135
• Contak Renewal Model H155 CRT-D
• Contak Renewal 3
• Contak Renewal 4
• Contak Renewal AVT
• Ventak Prizm 2 DR
• Ventak Prizm AVT
• Vitality AVT
• Renewal 3 AVT
• Renewal 4 AVT
• Renewal RF

What Guidant models are involved in the defective pacemaker lawsuits?

• Pulsar Max
• Pulsar
• Discovery
• Meridian
• Pulsar Max II
• Discovery II
• Contak TR
• Virtus Plus II
• Intelis II

What Medtronic models are involved in the defective implant lawsuits?

• Marquis Model 7230 - Marquis VR
• Marquis Model 7274 - Marquis DR
• Model 7232 Maximo VR
• Model 7278 Maximo DR
• Marquis Model 7277 - InSync Marquis
• Marquis Model 7289 - InSync II Marquis
• Marquis Model 7279 - InSync III Marquis
• Model 7285 InSync III Protect

What is an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator?
An ICD (implantable defibrillator) is an electronic device. The device is used to shock the heart back into a healthy rhythm. The pacemaker is implanted in the body (in the chest area) and is used to prevent cardiac arrest from severe ventricular tachycardia (a quickly fluttering heart beat). The device works through an electrode that is inserted into the heart. The wire (lead) is connected to a tiny computer in the defibrillator.

When should the device send a shock?
When the device senses that there is a dangerous rhythm, it activates a built-in pacemaker to restabilize the heart's rhythm. If the pacemaking device can not correct the beat, then the device delivers an electrical jolt to the heart. If that does not work, the device can send a stronger shock to the heart.

What will it cost to replace my defective Guidant Contak Renewal defibrillator, Medtronic Marquis Model, or other pacemaker or Guidant implant?
The cost is estimated to be between $20,000 and $30,000 to replace a Guidant defibrillator or Medtronic Marquis Model.

Who will pay for the cost of the surgery to replace my defective Guidant defibrillator?
In certain cases, Guidant has agreed to pay for the cost of replacement of defective defibrilaltors. You should consult your physician and your insurance company to determine whether Guidant will pay for your replacement.

Where is Guidant located?
Guidant, a major manufacturer of implantable medical devices, has its corporate headquarters in Indianapolis. They also have major operations in California, Minnesota, Texas, Washington, Puerto Rico, and Ireland. Guidant is in the process of being acquired by Johnson & Johnson which has its headquarters in New Jersey.

Are all of the Guidant defibrillators considered defective?
No. Only certain models of Guidant defibrillators have shown to have a defect in design or manufacturing. You should check the ID tag for your defbirillator and immediately consult your doctor to determine if the defects apply to your model.

What are the chances that my Guidant defibrillator will fail?
It is estimated that there are 29,000 pacemaker units in question. Out of those, there have been 45 reported failures and at least two deasths linked to the units. If no other failures occur, that would mean that 1 out of 15,000 pacemaker defibrillators could result in death, and 1 out of 650 could fail. If more reports come in, the failure rate would turn out to be higher.

Should I replace my Medtronic defibrillator or Guidant pacemaker or defibrillator implant?
You should immediately consult with your physician to determine if your model is part of the recall, if your defibrillator is defective, and whether the risk of surgery is better than the risk of keeping your defective Guidant defibrillator unit.

Are there any lawsuits or class actions being filed?
Yes. There are a number of lawfirms that are investigating these cases. Lawsuits have already been filed against Guidant.