April 28th, 2025 (Chicago, IL) – Abbott is recalling mobile power units (MPUs) that are used with some of its HeartMate II left ventricle assist devices (LVADs). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has assigned this as a Class I Recall, the FDA’s most serious classification. This classification means “serious injury or death” could result if use of the product is continued.
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The MPUs, used to power the devices, have reportedly been experiencing “sudden, unexpected performance issues.” These issues include the product suddenly turning on, turning off, or restarting. When these issues occur, a “yellow wrench” or “no external power” alarm is displayed on the system controller. These issues have been associated with an electrical component that was used to manufacture the recalled devices.
According to Abbott, the system has a backup battery that will last around 15 minutes. If the 14v rechargeable batteries are not connected to the controller within those 15 minutes, the pump will lose power and stop working. This could lead to serious health issues, such as impaired blood flow/circulation, blood clots blocking blood vessels, or death.
What Products Are Affected by the Recall?
According to the FDA, the products affected by this recall include MPUs associated with the HeartMate 3 Left Ventricle Assist Devices and the HeartMate II LVAS. These devices possess a unique device identifier (UDI) of UDI-DI: 05415067038234, and were distributed from April 2024 to February 2025. Additionally, Abbott has provided a product lookup tool so you can check the serial number of your device to see if it’s affected by the recall.
What Is Abbott Doing About the Heart Pump MPU Recall?
Abbott has sent out notices to all healthcare providers that may be impacted by the HeartMate MPU recall. The company is requesting that providers identify all patients who received the recalled MPUs, and send them a copy of the patient letter provided by Abbott. Abbott also requested that if it could not be determined which patients received a unit affected by the recall, to send out notices to all patients who received these devices between April 2024 and March 2025.
What Should You Do as a Consumer?
As a consumer, if you have a product you suspect may be affected by the mobile power unit recall, you should check the serial number of your product on Abbott’s website. If your device is affected by the recall, you should contact Abbott for a replacement. While you wait for your replacement, make sure you have your 14v rechargeable batteries readily available when using your MPU for power. If you experience sudden loss of power, it is important that you switch to your batteries within 15 minutes, otherwise your pump will stop.
You should also report any performance issues to your healthcare provider immediately and consider filing a report with the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program.
The Risks of Dangerous Medical Devices
This recall highlights the serious risks patients face when medical device manufacturers release products that have not been thoroughly vetted for safety. When critical devices like heart pumps or their accessories fail, the results can be catastrophic. Patients who rely on these devices for survival are placed at unnecessary risk, and manufacturers must be held accountable for any harm caused by their defective products.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries or health complications linked to an Abbott HeartMate device, you may be entitled to compensation through a dangerous medical device lawsuit. Victims may recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
At Ankin Law, our product liability attorneys have decades of experience standing up to large corporations and fighting for the rights of injury victims. We are actively investigating claims involving the Abbott HeartMate MPU recall and are prepared to help victims pursue the justice and compensation they deserve.
How Our Product Liability Attorneys Can Help You
When you work with Ankin Law, our attorneys will conduct a full investigation into your injury or your loved one’s wrongful death. We will gather all available evidence, including medical records, product purchase and usage documentation, expert testimony, and internal communications from the manufacturer when available. We will build a strong, evidence-backed case that proves the product’s defect caused your injuries.
We understand that standing up to large corporations can feel overwhelming. These companies have teams of lawyers whose job is to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. Our product liability lawyers know their tactics. We anticipate their moves and come prepared with aggressive strategies designed to keep the pressure on—and secure maximum compensation for you.
Compensation in a defective medical device lawsuit can cover a wide range of damages, including:
- Current and future medical bills
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Funeral and burial expenses in wrongful death cases
- Punitive damages (in cases of egregious corporate misconduct)
Our attorneys take the time to understand the full extent of how the defective product impacted your life. We consult with top medical experts, economic experts, and life care planners to build a complete picture of your losses, so we can optimize the compensation you receive.
Choosing the right law firm makes a difference. At Ankin Law in Chicago, we have a proven track record of securing substantial verdicts and settlements for our clients.
Call our law firm today at 312-600-0000 and hold the makers of these unreasonably dangerous products liable for their actions. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee structure, so you don’t pay unless we win your case.
