If A Pacemaker Is Fitted Incorrectly

When Is It Clinical Negligence ?

Regulating the heart, if a pacemaker is fitted incorrectly, there can be serious consequences. A pacemaker is a small medical device which is implanted into the chest to aid heart rhythms. The majority of fitted pacemakers work extremely well and improve your quality of life.

A pacemaker sends electrical impulses to the heart to maintain a normal heart rate. So when this is not done correctly, you may suffer from the consequences. Not all incidents of an incorrectly fitted pacemaker will lead to clinical negligence. However, there are certain times when you may be eligible to file a medical negligence claim for compensation.

If you believe you or a loved one may have suffered due to an incorrectly fitted pacemaker which is due to negligence, Jefferies Claims may be able to help. We work with experienced lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.

Risks of an Incorrectly Fitted Pacemaker

Ineffective Heart Regulation

A pacemaker’s primary function is to regulate the heart’s rhythm. If improperly placed, the electrical signals may not reach the necessary heart muscles effectively. This can lead to continued arrhythmias, bradycardia (slow heart rate), or tachycardia (fast heart rate).

Lead Displacement

Pacemakers have leads or thin wires that connect the device to the heart. If these leads are not secured correctly, they can shift or become dislodged. A displaced lead may cause the pacemaker to fail in sending proper electrical impulses. This may potentially lead to dangerous irregular heartbeats or complete heart block.

Infection Risks

A poorly fitted pacemaker increases the risk of infection, particularly at the implantation site. Infection can spread to the heart and bloodstream (sepsis). A consequence such as this causes severe complications requiring surgical intervention to remove and replace the device.

Device Malfunction

Incorrect placement may cause the pacemaker to malfunction, leading to issues such as failure to deliver necessary electrical impulses. This can cause a rapid heartbeat (overpacing), or underpacing (failing to correct bradycardia). This can cause dizziness, fainting, fatigue, or even cardiac arrest.

Damage to Blood Vessels and Heart Tissue

Improper positioning can lead to the pacemaker’s wires puncturing blood vessels or heart tissues. This may result in bleeding or fluid buildup around the heart.

Shortened Device Lifespan

A pacemaker that is not correctly fitted may work inefficiently, leading to a shortened battery life and the need for early replacement. Frequent replacements increase surgical risks and associated complications.

Can You File a Clinical Negligence Claim?

If a pacemaker has been incorrectly fitted due to medical negligence, you may be eligible to file a clinical negligence claim against the responsible healthcare provider.

Medical professionals have a duty of care to provide appropriate treatment for their patients. To establish if you have a valid claim, you will need to prove there was a breach in this duty of care.

This breach may include :

• Incorrect placement of the pacemaker leads
• Failure to secure the leads properly
• Poor post-operative monitoring
• Misdiagnosis or improper assessment before the procedure
• Inadequate patient follow-up

It is important to understand that it is not enough to show that a pacemaker was incorrectly fitted. You also need to show that this failure directly caused harm. For example, if an incorrectly placed device led to an infection or the need for corrective surgery, you may be entitled to claim.

Documenting Harm Caused

You must provide evidence of physical, emotional, and financial harm caused by the improperly fitted pacemaker. This may include:

• Medical records documenting the error and resulting complications
• Testimony from medical experts supporting your claim
• Proof of additional medical expenses incurred due to the error
• Evidence of lost income if the complications impacted your ability to work

How to File a Clinical Negligence Claim

If you suspect your pacemaker was fitted incorrectly, seek immediate medical attention. A specialist will be able to assess if this has happened and recommend any corrective treatments.

Gather all your medical documents, including from the initial implantation and follow-up consultations. Also keep a record of any additional treatments or surgeries you had to undergo due to the error.

An experienced solicitor specialising in medical negligence can assess the strength of your case and guide you through the legal process. They can also help secure expert testimony to support your claim.

Our friendly team at Jefferies Claims can guide you through a potential claim with care and understanding. We work with highly experienced lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.  Call us today at 0333 358 3034 or visit Jefferies Claims Contact Page to discuss your potential claim.