Medtronic HeartWare HVAD System Recalled Due to Unintended Intermittent Electrical Disconnection between The Power Source and The Controller

	Medtronic HeartWare HVAD System Recalled Due to Unintended Intermittent Electrical Disconnection between The Power Source and The Controller

Medtronic is recalling the HeartWare HVAD because of the possibility for an interruption to occur in the electrical connection between the system’s power source (battery, AC adapter, or DC adapter) and the HVAD controller. This interruption to the electrical connection, which occurs when the power source is still physically connected, is caused by oxidation on the connecting surfaces between the power source connector and the controller’s power source socket. Interruptions to the electrical connection could cause unintended intermittent electrical disconnection, which could result in a pump stop. A pump stop could cause patient harm such as exacerbation of heart failure symptoms, or symptoms such as mild weakness, dizziness, anxiety, nausea, loss of consciousness, or death. Continue reading.