Recall of Device Recall HVAD

According to U.S. Food and Drug Administration, this recall involved a device in United States that was produced by HeartWare Inc.

What is this?

A correction or removal action taken by a manufacturer to address a problem with a medical device. Recalls occur when a medical device is defective, when it could be a risk to health, or when it is both defective and a risk to health.

Learn more about the data here
  • Type of Event
    Recall
  • Event ID
    72001
  • Event Risk Class
    Class 1
  • Event Number
    Z-0005-2017
  • Event Initiated Date
    2016-06-08
  • Event Status
    Open, Classified
  • Event Country
  • Event Source
    USFDA
  • Event Source URL
  • Notes / Alerts
    U.S. data is current through June 2018. All of the data comes from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, except for the category Manufacturer Parent Company.
    The Parent Company was added by ICIJ.
    The parent company information is based on 2017 public records.
  • Extra notes in the data
    Ventricular (assisst) bypass - Product Code DSQ
  • Reason
    Loose connector ports in controller body.
  • Action
    HeartWare sent an Urgent Medical Device Correction letter dated June 8, 2016, to all affected customers, HeartWare advised clinicians to remind patients to follow unit instructions and water avoidance, and to regularly schedule appointments to check the integrity of the unit and to be cautious with connectors when inspecting connectors. Clinicians were also instructed to send back the enclosed "Acknowledgement Form" within 30 days and to forward the message to necessary individuals within their organization. Customers with questions were instructed to contact their local HeartWare representative. For questions regarding this recall call 305-364-1575.

Device

  • Model / Serial
    All Heartware Controllers manufactured after September 2014. US Model No: 1400, 1401XX, 1403US.  International Model No: 1400, 1401XX, 1407XX.
  • Product Classification
  • Device Class
    3
  • Implanted device?
    Yes
  • Distribution
    Worldwide Distribution - US Nationwide in the states of AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, and WI and countries of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Lebanon, Malaysia, Sweden, Switzerland, & United Kingdom.
  • Product Description
    HeartWare Ventricular Assist System Controller || Product Usage: || For use as a bridge-to-cardiac transplantation in patients who are at risk of death from refractory end-stage left ventricular heart failure. The HVAD is designed for in-hospital and out-of-hospital settings, including transportation via fix-wing aircraft or helicopter
  • Manufacturer

Manufacturer

  • Manufacturer Address
    HeartWare Inc, 14400 NW 60th Ave, Miami Lakes FL 33014-2807
  • Manufacturer Parent Company (2017)
  • Manufacturer comment
    “If our surveillance systems identify a potential performance issue, our personnel promptly evaluate the problem, including, when appropriate, conducting root cause investigations and internal testing to assess whether the product continues to meet specifications and defined performance criteria,” Medtronic told ICIJ in a statement. “In some cases, based on this evaluation, Medtronic may determine that a recall is necessary.” The company said that it communicates with healthcare providers and/or patients and provide recommendations to address such issues. Medtronic noted that these communications can include letters, emails, calls, press releases, physician notifications and social media postings, as well as informing the FDA and other regulators of the actions.
  • Source
    USFDA