Thoratec HeartMate II Recall Lawsuits

The product liability lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are investigating potential Thoratec HeartMate II lawsuits throughout the United States. The percutaneous lead that connects the Thoratec Heart Mate 2 Left Ventrical Assist System with the System Controller has been found to wear of fatigue over time. This could interrupt pump function, resulting in surgery to replace the heart blood pump or potentially result in death.

>>FDA NOTICE OF RECALL: Thoratec HeartMate II VAS

On October 24, 2008, Thoratec corporation issued a mechanical heart recall for their HeartMate II Left Ventricular Assist Systems (HM II LVAS), with catalogue numbers 1355 to 102139. Approximately 1,972 of these artificial hearts have been implanted since clinical trials began in November 2003 and estimates suggest that a large number of people could experience damage to the lead.

The company has already confirmed at least 27 cases of wear and fatigue to the percutaneous lead required surgery to replace the blood pump. Five of these reports involved people who were unable to successfully have the pump replaced and they have died.

The Thoratec HeartMate II Left Ventricular Assist System is a small blood pump that was approved in April 2008. It has been used in children, women and small men to help pump blood throughout the body while they await a heart transplant.

According to the HeartMate II recall notice posted on the FDA Website:

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.

THORATEC HEARTMATE LAWYERS

If you, a friend or family member have a Thoratec HeartMate 2 Left Ventricular Assist System with catalogue number 1355 to 102139, your device is impacted by this warning notice. Contact your physician for concerns about what this may mean for your health, and seek immediate medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect damage to the percutaneous lead.

The HeartMate pump lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are investigating potential lawsuits for individuals who have required medical treatment as a result of potential damage to the percutaneous lead. To review your legal rights, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.