On Friday, Guidant corporation announced that it will recall 53,000 implantable defibrillators after evidence emerged of a second death linked to problems with the devices. That news puts thousands of patients who have had the units surgically implanted in a very delicate position. Most will be forced to decide if their peace of mind is worth the risk of having surgery to have the defibrillator removed. Predictably, attorneys for a patient who filed a class action suit against the Indianapolis-based device maker said the decision proved their case. There was also speculation that Guidant's problems could impact Johnson & Johnson's $25.4 million bid for the company. J & J says it is "studying the impact of the news." However, sources "close to the transaction" say the development could lower the purchase price or possibly scupper the deal.
- see this story from the AP on the recall
- see this story from the NY Times on the medical issues involved
- see this story from the NY Times on the J & J deal