Here’s news that some in our audience need to be aware of:
Medtronic, Inc. said today that it has voluntarily suspended worldwide distribution of the Sprint Fidelis® family of defibrillation leads because of the potential for lead fractures. In addition, the company recommends against new implants of the leads (Sprint Fidelis Models: 6930, 6931, 6948, 6949)…
This decision is based on a variety of factors that, when viewed together, indicate that suspending distribution is the appropriate action. Based on Medtronic’s extensive performance data, Sprint Fidelis lead viability is trending lower than Medtronic’s Sprint Quattro® lead at 30 months (97.7% Sprint Fidelis vs. 99.1% Sprint Quattro). This difference is not statistically significant; however, if the current lead fracture rates remain constant, it will become so over time. Medtronic believes that given this performance trend and its ability to identify the primary fracture locations, this action is in patients’ best interest.
Lead fractures may present clinically as audible alerts, inappropriate shocks and/or loss of output. Based on current information regarding the 268,000 implanted leads, Medtronic has identified five patient deaths in which a Sprint Fidelis lead fracture may have been a possible or likely contributing factor.
Press release: Medtronic Voluntarily Suspends Distribution of Sprint Fidelis® Defibrillation Leads …