HeartMate 3 (Thoratec) – Battery Cable Corrosion (2025)
Hazard assessment based on recall description.
This AI-generated summary is provided for general informational purposes only and is derived from publicly available recall notices. It supplements but does not replace official agency classifications or safety instructions.
Check Your Product
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Product
Brand Name: HeartMate Product Name: HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular System (LVAS) Kits Model/Catalog Number: 106524US, HeartMate 3 LVAS KIT, US; 106524INT, HeartMate 3 LVAD KIT, OUS; 106524 Software Version: N/A Product Description: The HeartMate 3" Left Ventricular Assist System (LVAS) is a set of equipment and materials that together comprise a medical device designed to provide therapeutic benefit to those affected with advanced heart failure. In service, the LVAS assumes some or all of the work
Brand
Thoratec LLC
Lot Codes / Batch Numbers
it can be replaced (per the IFU) and the controller will continue to be used.
Products Sold
Lot Code: All units of the following models are impacted: Model 106524US UDI: 00813024013297 Model 106524INT UDI: 0081302401171 Note: Product bracketing is determined based on possible use of the controller. Since the backup battery has a 3 year life cycle, it can be replaced (per the IFU) and the controller will continue to be used.
Thoratec LLC is recalling Brand Name: HeartMate Product Name: HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular System (LVAS) Kits Model/Catalog Nu due to Due to potential corrosion issues associated with the Backup Battery cable connector that may cause a Backup Battery Fault Alarm.. Based on FDA medical device recall database.
Summary derived from FDA notice
Reason for Recall
As stated by FDA
Due to potential corrosion issues associated with the Backup Battery cable connector that may cause a Backup Battery Fault Alarm.
Recommended Action
Per FDA guidance
On 10/09/2025, the firm sent via email an "URGENT MEDICAL DEVICE RECALL (CORRECTION)" Letter to customers informing them that Abbott has observed an increase in customer complaints about the controller Backup Battery Fault Alarm. The issue is potentially due to excessive handling, movement, stress and pulling at the interface between the ribbon cable and controller which results in corrosion of the ribbon cable connectors. What Customers should know: When the Backup Battery Fault Alarm is active, this Advisory alarm will appear as a flashing yellow wrench on the user interface and Call Hospital Contact; Backup Battery Fault will appear on the screen, accompanied by a slow beep tone. When in a clinical setting, the HeartMate Touch App will have an active alarm that reads Replace Backup Battery. As a reminder, when this alarm is active and the pump is running and flow is maintained (indicated by the green arrow symbol ), this alarm does not affect the controller or pump functionality. Customers are instructed: -When performing Backup Battery installation or replacement, clinicians should minimize excessive handling, movement, stress and pulling at the interface between the ribbon cable and controller. An example of excessive handling would be using the ribbon cable to hold the weight of the controller. -Remind patients and caregivers to follow the Patient Handbook: If System Controller Backup Battery Fault Alarm is active, patients should first ensure that no other alarms are active, and then they should call their hospital contact as soon as possible for diagnosis and instructions. Patients and caregivers should not immediately attempt to exchange the System Controller without clinical guidance. For questions or further assistance is needed regarding the Backup Battery Alarm after following Instructions for Use, contact Abbott Technical Service at 1-800-456-1477 (Business hours: 8 AM EST to 7 PM EST).
Verify this information on the official source
For complete details and official instructions, check the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) directly.
View official FDA recall noticePage updated: Jan 10, 2026