The Department of Health today reminded patients implanted with certain models of cardiac defibrillators to take extra care following a worldwide recall issued by the Guidant Corporation.

The affected devices are -
* Ventak Prizm 2 DR (Model 1861) ICDs manufactured on or before April 16, 2002;
* Contak Renewal (Model H135) and Contak Renewal 2 (Model H155) CRT-Ds manufactured on or before August 26, 2004; and
* Ventak Priam AVT, Vitality AVT, Renewal 3 AVT and Renewal 4 AVT ICDs (All series numbers).

Patients implanted with these devices should contact their doctors and keep regular appointments. In case they feel an electric shock, or hear an audible "beeping" from the device, they should immediately contact their doctor or go to the emergency department of the nearest hospital . 

The department has informed public and private hospitals, medical professional associations and relevant patients' groups about the recall today.

Guidant Corporation has posted information on its website.