Medtronic Halts HVAD Distribution and Sale

Medtronic is stopping the distribution and sale of its HVAD system. The company has notified physicians to stop new implants of the HVAD system and transition to an alternative means of durable mechanical circulatory support.
 
The firm is developing a support program for patients with an HVAD and for caregivers and healthcare professionals who participate in their care. This program is being developed with an independent panel of clinician advisors to ensure ongoing care and safety of patients currently supported by the HVAD system. Though the company will stop distribution and sale, Medtronic aims to serve the needs of the approximately 4,000 HVAD patients currently implanted with the device.
 
Medtronic initiated this action in light of a growing body of observational clinical comparisons indicating a higher frequency of neurological adverse events, including stroke, and mortality with the HVAD System as compared to other circulatory support devices available to patients.
 
In addition, Medtronic previously issued an Urgent Medical Device Communication informing physicians that the HVAD pump may experience a delay to restart or a failure to restart after it is stopped. Pump restart failure can potentially worsen a patient’s heart condition, lead to a heart attack, require hospitalization, and result in death.
 
Considering these findings and the availability of alternative devices, Medtronic made the decision to stop the distribution and sale of the HVAD System, consistent with its commitment to prioritize patient safety.
 
“The Medtronic Mission guides us to always do what is in the best interests of patients and that is exactly what we are doing and will do for those impacted by this decision. There is nothing more important than the safety and well-being of patients,” Nnamdi Njoku, president of Medtronic’s Mechanical Circulatory Support business told the press. “We recognize this information may be concerning for patients and their caregivers, and Medtronic is committed to supporting them in coordination with their physicians.”
 
Medtronic has been working closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with other regulatory bodies around the world, to share information related to this decision and its commitment to ongoing support for patients implanted with the HVAD device.
 
Patient Management Recommendations
Medtronic is committed to patient safety and to serving the needs of the approximately 4,000 HVAD patients currently implanted with the device. Medtronic has consulted with an independent panel of clinician advisors to develop patient management recommendations to reduce stroke risk and mitigate against other potential risks associated with the HVAD System. Elective explant of the HVAD device is not recommended, as risks associated with explantation may outweigh the potential benefits.
 
Medtronic is also developing an ongoing support program for patients who have had an HVAD implanted, caregivers, and health care professionals who participate in their care. The program will include financial assistance for eligible patients and other resources for physicians and their caregivers. Further details of the program will be announced when they become available.
 
Medtronic is working closely with other stakeholders including Abbott, which manufactures the HeartMate 3 LVAD device, and with regulatory bodies globally, to help ensure that alternative treatment options are available for patients who may be candidates for a LVAD device.