Medtronic enters into lawsuit agreement

Medtronic has announced that it is to resolve lawsuits relating to its Marquis line of implanted cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) that were the subject of a field action announced in February 2005.

In all, Medtronic will agree to settle 2,682 cases for $95.6 million (48 million pounds) plus $18.5 million in attorneys’ fees.

The relevant parties will also file joint requests to the court for the termination of the Multi-District Litigation proceedings related to the Marquis devices, as well requesting the dismissal of the cases.

Pat Mackin, senior vice-president of Medtronic Cardiac Rhythm Disease Management, confirmed that the company was pleased to settle the cases and put the case behind it.

“We prefer to focus our resources on areas that are beneficial to physicians and patients, rather than prolong this litigation.”

He added the Marquis line of defibrillators continued to provide life-saving therapy for thousands of people and that they continued to be the most reliable ICDs manufactured by Medtronic.

The settlements mark a compromise of disputed claims with all parties not admitting liability or validity of any defences in the litigation.

Earlier this month, Medtronic announced the initiation of the first human study of its Endurant graft system to be used for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm.