Pacemaker manufacturer sued for allegedly selling faulty device

GRETNA – A Jefferson Parish woman is suing a medical supply company for an allegedly defective pacemaker.

Jeanne Scianneaux filed suit against St. Jude Medical S.C. Inc. and their insurer in the 24th Judicial District Court.

Scianneaux claims that on March 27, 2010 her physician implanted a Medtronic Defibrillator in her that is manufactured and sold by St. Jude.

The plaintiff alleges that the device was later recalled after it was found that it could result in misfiring or not firing an electric pulse to the user’s heart at the correct time. Scianneaux asserts that St. Jude knew before the device was implanted in her that it was potentially defective, but did not admit to the allegedly life threatening problems it posed until later on.

The plaintiff claims the device did in fact malfunction and it had to be removed, but given the nature of the surgery the plaintiff’s physician allegedly could not entirely remove the defective parts. In a subsequent surgery to replace the defective equipment Scianneaux claims she nearly died and had to resuscitated after which she suffered a stroke and is now disabled.

The defendant is accused of negligently placing in commerce a defective and dangerous product, failing to reveal the product defects, fraudulent concealment of danger, failing to remove from commerce after discovery of the defects, strict liability for the defect in the product, claim under warranty and violation of state law.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for mental pain and anguish, physical pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, loss of life’s enjoyment, healthcare and home health expenses, surgical costs, prescription costs, device replacement and diminished life span.

Scianneaux is represented by attorney James E. Shields Sr. of Gretna.

The case has been assigned to Division M Judge Henry G. Sullivan Jr.

Case no. 724-191.