The US FDA has classified Medtronic’s recent voluntary urgent field action related to the HeartWare HVAD system’s unexpected power source switching as a Class I recall. Class I recalls describe situations where there is reasonable risk of serious adverse health consequences or death.
According to a press release, there have been no confirmed reports of catastrophic harm associated with this issue. It states that the per patient probability of serious adverse events due to this issue is approximately 0.003. This recall affects 16,399 HeartWare ventricular assist device (HVAD) systems implanted as of May 22, 2018.
In a notification letter distributed in May 2018, Medtronic alerted clinicians worldwide about a potential transient interruption of the electrical connection between a HeartWare HVAD system power source and the HVAD controller, which results in unintended switching to the device’s secondary power source and could cause the system to momentarily stop and restart. Additionally, unintended power switching can result in unexpected audible tones (“beeping”). This beeping, which occurs when the electrical connection interruption automatically resolves, may confuse the patient or their carer, as the Controller may display sufficient battery capacity or AC/DC connectivity at the time of the audible tone. Also, a Critical Battery Alarm may be momentarily incorrectly displayed due to this phenomenon.
In consultation with the Independent Practitioner Quality Panel, Medtronic has provided the following patient management recommendations to clinicians:
- Reinforce the importance of always ensuring two power sources (AC or DC adapter plus a battery, OR two batteries) are connected at all times (except when changing a power source)
- Reinforce best practice guidance for managing power sources when going to sleep and awakening: when going to bed, connect a fully charged battery and then connect the AC adapter; and when getting out of bed in the morning, make sure to connect two fully charged batteries.
- Instruct patients to report any persistent, unexpected audible tones to the VAD team for additional instructions.
In late May 2018, Medtronic made available a lubricant solution, which can be applied to HeartWare HVAD system power source connectors as a method for mitigating unexpected transient power switching. The lubricant is being distributed to Medtronic HeartWare Field Representatives.
Healthcare providers may report adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this device to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax. For more information, click here.
