FDA Device

CONTAK RENEWAL 3 CRT-D (model no. H170, H173, H175) and CONTAK RENEWAL 3 HE CRT-D(model no. H177 and H179). Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Defibrillator. Sterilized with gaseous ethylene oxide. Guidant Corporation, Cardiac Rhythm Management, 4100 Hamline Avenue North, St. Paul, MN 5511-5798 USA. CONTAK RENEWAL 3 devices provide ventricular tachyarrhythmia and cardiac resynchronization therapies.

Hazard

Engineering analysis has determined that the magnetic switch in certain devices may stick in the closed position. When the magnetic switch becomes stuck in the closed position treatment of ventricular or atrial tachyarrhythmias is inhibited, while bradycardia pacing is unaffected.

What You Should Do

Remedy

Firm issued a Dr. Doctor letter dated 06/23/05. Letter informs physicians of the issue, clinical implications and recommendations. UPDATE: An Advisory Update, dated 08/01/05 is being issued to physicians to inform them of a new programmer software application upgrade and the programmer screen alerts. Additionally regulatory approval was given for a new switch component that will be incorporated into all Guidant CRT-D products.

Products

CONTAK RENEWAL 3 CRT-D (model no. H170, H173, H175) and CONTAK RENEWAL 3 HE CRT-D(model no. H177 and H179). Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Defibrillator. Sterilized with gaseous ethylene oxide.
Brand
Guidant Corporation
UPC
all serial numbers

Units Affected

48,157