Indiana Medical Malpractice Attorneys for Claims of Unnecessary Cardiac Devices CRT-P, CRT-D, and ICD
Cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemakers and defibrillators (CRT-P and CRT-D) and implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICD) are devices that doctors may prescribe for patients with specific heart problems. These devices are surgically implanted into the chest, or in some cases directly on to the heart, and deliver electrical shocks to regulate the heartbeat. ICDs can be useful in preventing sudden death for patients at risk for life-threatening arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats.
Patients place their trust in physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals to be properly trained to assess, diagnose, and treat medical conditions. Unnecessary medical procedures can cause serious personal injury and reduce a person’s quality of life. In some cases, unnecessary surgical implants cannot be removed without causing more damage to a person’s health. Unnecessary procedures and surgery also burden patients financially via unnecessary medical insurance claims. One report indicated unnecessary care contributed to more than $200 billion in health care spending.
Implantation of unnecessary CRT-P, CRT-D, and ICD devices
Patients should undergo proper testing to determine whether cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemakers and defibrillators (CRT-P and CRT-D) and implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICD) are necessary for treatment. Qualified medical personnel should have proper training to identify when these devices are necessary and inform the patient of their treatment options as well as the risks associated with these options. Patients who experience symptoms including fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, irregular heartbeats and similar concerns should be thoroughly evaluated to ensure a proper diagnosis and treatment. Patients should also receive a variety of treatment options from their doctor to consider that may include surgery, medications, and/or lifestyle changes.
Summary of unnecessary implantation of CRT-D, CRT-P and ICD device lawsuits
An investigation revealed that a cardiology group implanted hundreds of unnecessary cardiac devices including cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemakers and defibrillators (CRT-D and CRT-P) and implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICD). The cardiologists ignored nationally accepted guidelines from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology which required the presence of specific indications for these devices including an ejection fraction below 35% and a QRS duration of 120ms or greater. The cardiologists repeatedly misstated patients’ QRS and ejection fraction values in order to justify the implantation of these devices when they were not needed.
Indiana medical malpractice lawsuits
If you or someone you know has an unnecessary surgical implant such as a cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemaker or defibrillator (CRT-P or CRT-D) or implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD), contact us. Our medical malpractice attorneys have experience representing hundreds of people who have experienced serious personal injury as a result of unnecessary cardiac device implantation and can provide you with a free case evaluation and discuss your legal rights.