FDA Alerts

Class 1 Recall: HeartWare Recalls Ventricular Assist Device Pumps Due to Contamination Causing Electrical Issues

HeartWare Inc. is recalling the HVAD pumps due to a design problem with the driveline connector. The driveline is a tube that connects the HVAD's pump to the external controller and power source.

Tue Oct 25 2016By Jonathan Payne

Class 1 Recall: HeartWare Recalls Ventricular Assist Device Pumps Due to Contamination Causing Electrical Issues
 
The FDA has identified this as a Class I recall, the most serious type of recall.  Use of these devices may cause serious injuries or death.
 
Recalled Product:
  • HeartWare Ventricular Assist Device (HVAD)
  • Serial Numbers: All HVADs with serial numbers lower than HW25838
  • Product Codes: 1103, 1104
  • Manufacturing Dates: March 17, 2006 to June 27, 2016
  • Devices Recalled in the U.S.:105 units distributed nationwide
 
Device Use
 
The HVAD helps deliver blood from the heart to the rest of the body. It is used in patients who are at risk of death from end-stage left ventricular heart failure and who are waiting for a heart transplant. The system includes a pump implanted in the space around the heart (pericardium) and a controller that controls the speed and function of the pump.
 
The HVAD is designed for use both in and out of hospital settings, including during patient transport.
 
Reason for Recall  
 
HeartWare Inc. is recalling the HVAD pumps due to a design problem with the driveline connector. The driveline is a tube that connects the HVAD's pump to the external controller and power source. Contamination of the driveline may result in fluid or other material entering the pump and causing electrical issues or pump stops that may lead to serious adverse health consequences, including death.
 
Who May be Affected
 
  • Patients receiving cardiac support using the HVAD system
  • Health care providers and caregivers monitoring patients with a HVAD system
 
What to Do
 
On August 17, 2016, HeartWare Inc. sent an "Urgent Medical Device Recall Letter" to affected customers. The letter instructed consumers to:
  • Identify affected HVADs in hospital inventory
  • Complete and return the "Acknowledgement Form" attached to the letter
  • Return affected products to HeartWare Inc.
  • After returning the affected products, complete and return the "Completion Form" to a HeartWare representative no later than 2 months from the date on the letter
  • Remind their patients about the safe use of the HVAD System, particularly with regard to moisture and proper connection to power and data sources.
 
Contact Information
 
Health care providers who have questions should contact their HeartWare representative or contact HeartWare Inc. at cs@heartware.com or 1-877-367-4823 with any questions related to this recall.
 
Date Recall Initiated:
 
July 29, 2016
 
 
 
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