On 15 October 2007, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced a class I recall of the Medtronic Sprint Fidelis defibrillator leads (model numbers 6930, 6931, 6948 and 6949). The leads are the wiring that run from the device in the shoulder to the inside of the heart. The recall exists because these leads have a failure rate higher than expected. Of most concern is fracture of the lead. When that happens, there may be inappropriate shocks or device failure.

There are 172,000 Sprint Fidelis leads implanted in the United States. Amongst patients at Ohio Valley HeartCare (OVHC), there are approximately 100 patients with these leads. The recall has generated some apprehension along with confusion about risks and options for dealing with the problem.

To address these issues, OVHC is holding two informational meetings. Patients are invited to attend and to bring along anyone with related interest (e.g. family members). The meetings are both in the Manor Building on the campus of St. Mary's Medical Center. The dates and rooms are:

• Friday, 30 November, 2:00 pm in the Merillac Room
• Wenesday, 05 December, 6:00 pm in the Annex Room

Please call 812-473-2642 or 800-264-3278 if you have questions.