Faulty Batteries in Heart Devices Recalled
For some end-stage heart failure patients, the Medtronic HeartWare Ventricular Assist Device (HVAD) System helps the heart by supporting the weak left ventricle and providing additional blood flow. On Thursday, the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an alert warning these patients that Medtronic is recalling batteries used to operate the system because the batteries may experience electrical faults that cause them to unexpectedly fail.The federal health agency has labeled this a “Class 1 recall,” which is the most serious kind of recall. Loss of power from these batteries (model number 1650DE) can cause serious health consequences or even death.Medtronic has already reported 1,159 complaints, six injuries, and one death related to this issue.If the battery has an electrical fault, the controller may not receive power, or the battery…