Plaintiffs Barred from Seeking Reconsideration of Preemption Ruling in Riata Defibrillator Lead Case

MINNEAPOLIS — Plaintiffs may not seek reconsideration of a Minnesota federal judge’s ruling that a majority of their claims brought against St. Jude Medical Inc. in connection with its Riata defibrillator lead are preempted because they do not allege that the manufacturer violated federal requirements.

On July 30, Judge Patrick J. Schiltz of the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota found no compelling circumstances that would warrant a motion for reconsideration.

Richard Pinsonneault, Joseph Houlette and Gary Rouse were all implanted with Riata defibrillation leads manufactured by St. Jude and Pacesetter Inc. A Riata lead consists of …