Guidant implantable heart defibrillators were the source of the lawsuits. Source: Guidant Recall Lawyers

Boston Scientific has reached an amended agreement to settle claims related to implanted cardiac defibrillator (ICD) cases with Guidant in 2005 and 2006, through a payment of $240 million to cover claims from 8,550 patients. 

The Natick, Mass.-based Boston Scientific acquired Guidant of Indianapolis last year. The agreement amends a prior agreement that the company reached in July 2007 to cover additional unanticipated claims.

The amendment, reached during mediation sessions conducted before U.S. Magistrate Judge Arthur J. Boylan in Minneapolis, increased the $195 million the company agreed to pay to settle 4,000 claims in July.

Boston Scientific said the new agreement settles all existing claims related to the product in the United States.