Claims in Sprint Fidelis Lead Case are Preempted, 8th Circuit Affirms

MINNEAPOLIS - State law claims brought against Medtronic Inc. in connection with its recalled Sprint Fidelis Lead are preempted by the Medical Device Amendments to the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act because they would impose state requirements that are "different from or in addition to" federal requirements, a federal appellate court has affirmed. In re Medtronic Inc., Sprint Fidelis Leads Products Liability Litigation, No. 09-2290 (8th Cir.).

On Oct. 15, the 8th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeal upheld a Minnesota federal court's dismissal of the case.

Medtronic designed, manufactured and sold the Sprint Fidelis Lead, a wire that delivers signals …