The devices are designed to protect patients from life-threatening heart rhythms. Recently, a number of them have been found to suffer from component failure, which may cause a magnetic switch to become stuck in the closed position.
This jeopardizes a device's ability to treat ventricular or atrial tachyarrhythmias and may cause batteries to run out much quicker.
So far, four incidents have been reported. In each case, the device sounded a warning alerting patients, and prompting physicians to replace the device.
Guidant has said it will establish an independent panel of experts to recommend guidelines on disseminating information to physicians and patients about the devices.
It also said it would enlist the support of other interested parties, including the Food and Drug Administration, physician societies, and patient advocates.
U.S. Regulators may recall the defibrillators.
