Czech Police Investigate Unnecessary Defibrillator Implants at Olomouc University Hospital
A criminal investigation has been launched in the Czech Republic concerning the potential for serious harm caused by the unnecessary implantation of defibrillators at the University Hospital in Olomouc (FNOL). Authorities suspect that hundreds of patients may have received the devices – used to correct life-threatening heart rhythm disorders – without adequate medical justification, raising concerns about both patient welfare and potential fraud.
The investigation, initiated on February 9th, centers around a clinical study, named PROFID EHRA, conducted at the hospital’s 1st Internal Clinic – Cardiology between 2015 and February 2025. According to police spokesman Libor Hejtman, an expert opinion has revealed “serious suspicions of long-term and systematic implementation of unindicated implantation of defibrillators in several hundred patients with serious heart problems.” The potential penalties for those found guilty of the alleged crimes – grievous bodily harm, fraud, and misdemeanor bodily harm – range from five to twelve years imprisonment.
The case has drawn the attention of the Office of the European Public Prosecutor, indicating the scale and potential cross-border implications of the alleged misconduct. While no charges have been filed to date, authorities are examining study documentation for irregularities and assessing whether implanted defibrillators (ICDs) were overused.
Health Minister Adam Vojtěch acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, “We certainly don’t take it lightly, if it turns out that there was a mistake, even a systemic one, we will deal with it.” He clarified that the ministry is currently relying on information from media reports and hospital management, as they are not in direct contact with the police investigation. The minister emphasized that the situation involved a clinical study, differentiating it from standard patient care.
FNOL has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the police are misinterpreting medical terminology. A hospital spokesperson stressed that their own internal investigations have found no evidence of patient harm. “Implanted defibrillators by themselves cannot cause serious injury, as it is a preventative treatment that saves the lives of patients at risk of sudden cardiac death,” the spokesperson explained. The hospital maintains that the study compared two treatment approaches – pharmacological treatment with and without ICD implantation – and that differing professional opinions on the timing of implantations led to internal disagreements.
These disagreements reportedly contributed to a change in clinic leadership, with Miloš Táborský stepping down as head in February 2024 and being replaced by Alan Bulava in September 2025. Táborský has consistently defended his treatment decisions, stating he always acted in accordance with the best available medical knowledge.
The General Health Insurance Company (VZP) is also reviewing the procedures at FNOL, prompted by a significant increase in the number of defibrillator implantations. According to VZP spokeswoman Viktorie Plívová, a review of the hospital’s procedures is included in the control plan for the first half of the year.
FNOL has fully cooperated with the police, handing over all relevant study and medical records under a court order. Hospital director Roman Havlík affirmed the hospital’s commitment to transparency, stating, “We want it to be clearly shown whether someone really made a mistake, or how and why it happened. We are ready to respond adequately to the result.” The new management of the cardiology clinic has also reported repeated health checks on patients involved in the study, with no evidence of harm detected since September 2025.
The investigation is ongoing, and the outcome will likely have significant implications for both the patients involved and the future of clinical research practices at FNOL.
