Boston Scientific has sent an advisory letter to physicians warning that some models of its implantable heart defibrillators have shown a higher rate of magnetic reed switch failure.
No patient deaths or injuries have been reported and the company has estimated a potential device failure rate of one per 670 devices, placing the probability of harm at less than one in a million.
The letter also mentions that the application of a magnet may cause a magnetic reed switch located within the device to become permanently stuck in a closed position.
About 34,000 of the affected devices remain actively implanted. Instead of physicians replacing devices, the company advised patients to continue routine follow-up sessions.
