Medtronic Warns Doctors About Heart Devices

Medtronic is warning physicians about 6,300 Concerto CRT-D and Virtuoso ICD defibrillators. The devices may not last as long as expected due to battery problems, according to a letter sent to physicians this month. The company says 230 devices have exhibited low voltage capacitor degradation, which drains the batteries. The devices were manufactured primarily in 2006 and can be traced to a specific subset of low voltage capacitors. The affected devices will warn patients three months in advance before a replacement is needed.