Company warns doctors of possible pacemaker problem

(Minneapolis-AP) -- The country's second-largest pacemaker manufacturer says at least 90 of its pacemakers now in use by heart<br>patients could malfunction.<br><br>St. Jude Medical reports problems

Wednesday, February 16th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Minneapolis-AP) -- The country's second-largest pacemaker manufacturer says at least 90 of its pacemakers now in use by heart
patients could malfunction.

St. Jude Medical reports problems have been experienced with 33 of its 35-thousand Affinity pacemakers. Of the 891 pacemakers that have the potential for problems with emitting electrical signals that regulate heartbeats, about 90 are affected.

St. Jude spokesman Peter Gove says the company is unaware of any patient injuries, and that the problem isn't severe enough to
warrant immediate removal.

The Little Canada, Minnesota-based firm has sent letters to doctors informing them of the problem.

The affected model numbers are 5130, 5230, and 5330. St. Jude will replace problem models and pay up to eight hundred dollars for
unreimbursed medical expenses.