Guidant Defibrillators Information

    Guidant Corporation has recalled 50,000 defibrillators including
28,900 that could develop a short circuit and an additional 21,000
susceptible to a memory malfunction. The models included in the
recall are the Ventak Prism 2 DR, Ventak AVT, Vitality AVT, Renewal
3 AVT, Renewal 4 AVT ICDs, Contak Renewal and Contak Renewal
2.

     Thus far two patients using one of the recalled defibrillators has
died and an additional 45 cases have been documentated where
the device has failed. The Federal Food and Drug Administration
recommends patients with one of the recalled defilbrillators should
consult with their physician immediately.