The Recall Desk
SevereFDA (Devices)·Z-1590-2023·Announced 2023-05-24

Impella 5.5 with SmartAssist Catheter Recalled for Heightened Purge Leak Rate

Abiomed is recalling 610 units of the Impella 5.5 with SmartAssist catheter due to a heightened complaint rate for purge leaks. This intravascular pump provides circulatory support during critical care.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: FDA classification for this device is Class I, which establishes a minimum severity level of Severe. The heightened complaint rate for purge leaks in a critical circulatory support device represents a significant safety concern, though no deaths or injuries are reported in the source.

Plain-English summary

The Impella 5.5 with SmartAssist catheter is an intravascular micro axial blood pump designed to provide circulatory support during critical care. Abiomed is recalling 610 units due to a heightened complaint rate for purge leaks in the device.

The affected units include three product variants: Impella 5.5 JP (product number 1000211), Impella 5.5 Smart Assist (product number 0550-0002), and Impella 5.5 with SmartAssist Set for US (product number 0550-0008). Each variant has specific serial numbers identified in the recall notice.

These devices are distributed nationwide in the United States and internationally in Japan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Austria, France, Great Britain, Croatia, Serbia, Norway, Slovenia, and Germany. Healthcare providers who have obtained these devices should verify the serial numbers against the FDA recall list. Patients and clinicians should contact Abiomed or their healthcare facility for guidance regarding affected units.

The recalled product

Product
Impella 5.5 with SmartAssist catheter is an intravascular micro axial blood pump that supports a patient s circulatory system, Product Numbers 1000211 (Impella 5.5 JP), 0550-0002 (Impella 5.5 Smart Assist), and 0550-0008 (Impella 5.5 with SmartAssist Set, US)
Manufacturer
Abiomed, Inc.
Hazard
  • purge-leak

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.