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Contact:
Joyce Szymanski
425-867-4395
Rob Clark
763-505-2635
Affected devices were distributed worldwide
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE --REDMOND, Wash., April 22, 2005 – Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) today announced that it has identified an additional 396 monophasic LIFEPAK ® 500 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to be included in a voluntary recall originally announced on Feb. 25, 2005. The company will be contacting the owners of the additional 396 devices that are in use worldwide.
The affected AEDs may continue to display a “connect electrodes” message and may not analyze the patient’s heart rhythm even when the electrodes are properly connected. Failure to analyze the patient’s heart rhythm will inhibit defibrillation, if it is needed.
The company has already completed the updates or upgrades to the devices originally identified as affected. The company plans to complete the update or upgrade to the additional affected devices by May 31, 2005. Affected AEDs may remain in service, and customers with devices in this additional group are currently being contacted with recommendations for use and replacement schedules. Only certain monophasic LIFEPAK 500 AEDs manufactured in 1997 are included in this action. Customers with further questions about this issue should call 1-877-873-7630 or visit www.medtronic-ers.com/500 to determine if their device is included in the action.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was apprised of the additional devices the week of April 18, 2005. FDA classified the original action February 24, 2005 as a Class I recall. The FDA defines Class I as a situation in which there is reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to the product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.
The LIFEPAK 500 is used by first responders such as firefighters, police and others trained in CPR/AED use and are first to arrive at the scene of a cardiac incident but do not have significant medical training.
Medtronic, Inc., headquartered in Minneapolis, is the world’s leading medical technology company, providing lifelong solutions for people with chronic disease. Its internet address is www.medtronic.com.
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Press Release (February 25, 2005)
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