Events

Recall of HeartWare Ventricular Assist System

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
    71239
  • Event Risk Class
    Class 1
  • Event Number
    Z-1731-2015
  • Event Initiated Date
    2015-04-29
  • Event Date Posted
    2015-06-13
  • Event Status
    Open, Classified
  • Event Country
    United States
  • Event Source
    USFDA
  • Event Source URL
    https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfres/res.cfm?id=136951
  • 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
    Complaints with the hvad internal controller alarm battery failures.
  • Action
    Urgent Medical Device Correction letters were sent to customers. The letter identified the affected product, as well as the reason for the recall and risks involved. HeartWare requests that customers review and familiarize themselves with the letter and "Patient Communication," and ensure that all necessary individuals are aware. Patients currently being supported by the device should be identified and given the "Patient Communication." A HeartWare representative can provide assistance with that process if needed. The "Acknowledgement and Completion Form" should be completed, signed, and returned within 30 days of the receipt of the letter. Customers can contact their local HeartWare representative with questions or concerns. Clinical Support personnel are also available at 1-888-494-6365.

Device

HeartWare Ventricular Assist System
  • Model / Serial
    Serial #: ALL HeartWare HVAD systems currently in use.
  • Product Classification
    Cardiovascular Devices
  • Device Class
    3
  • Implanted device?
    Yes
  • Distribution
    Worldwide Distribution -- US, including the states of AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, and VA; and, the countries of Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, and UK.
  • Product Description
    HeartWare Ventricular Assist System (HVAD). || Catalog #: 1101, 1103, 1100, 1101, 1102, 1104, 1104JP, and 1205. || Intended for use as a bridge to cardiac transplantation in patients who are at risk of death from refractory end-stage heart failure.
  • Manufacturer
    HeartWare Inc

Manufacturer

HeartWare Inc
  • Manufacturer Address
    HeartWare Inc, 14400 Nw 60th Ave, Miami Lakes FL 33014-2807
  • Manufacturer Parent Company (2017)
    Medtronic plc
  • 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