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Thoratec Corporation notified healthcare professionals of a worldwide correction of the HeartMate II Left Ventricular Assist System (HM II LVAS), of all serial numbers (having Catalogue No. 1355 or 102139), distributed since the beginning of clinical studies in November 2003. Over time, wear and fatigue of the percutaneous lead connecting the HeartMate II LVAS blood pump with the System Controller may result in damage that could interrupt pump function, require reoperation to replace the pump, and potentially result in serious injury or death. The estimated probability of the need for pump replacement due to percutaneous lead damage is 1.3% at 12 months, 6.5% at 24 months, and 11.4% at 36 months. Healthcare professionals with patients supported by a HeartMate II LVAS should assess the wear and fatigue of the percutaneous lead and provide proper instruction to patients on the management and care of the lead.
Read the entire 2008 MedWatch Safety Summary, including a link to the manufacturer's press release regarding the above issue.
http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2008/safety08.htm#HeartMate
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