Pacemaker Warnings Issued: Telectronics Pacing Systems Inc....

Pacemaker Warnings Issued: Telectronics Pacing Systems Inc. is writing to cardiologists to tell them which patients are at risk from potentially defective heart pacemakers and how they should be treated. But the company said this week that it won’t publicize the advice until doctors get their letters, saying patients need the physicians’ help to fully understand the problem.

At issue is a wire that connects the pacemaker to the heart wall, helping the device send electronic pulses to regulate heartbeat. Called a J-wire because of its shape, the wire was implanted in 40,500 people worldwide, including 22,000 Americans.

Telectronics recalled unimplanted wires from hospitals last fall after two deaths occurred when the wire poked through its insulation. Eleven other patients with similar problems recovered. The letters will recommend that doctors contact all patients with the wires, formally called the Accufix atrial “J” models 701 and 801, and discuss the risk of wire fracture. Patients will then be counseled and monitored.