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# HeartMate Pumps Recalled Due to Obstructions
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/heartmate-pumps-recalled-due-to-obstructions/
- Published: 2024-04-15T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T14:28:16.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: Devices, #legacy-id-D5156774

Abbott’s Thoratec unit is recalling (Class 1) its HeartMate II and HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist System (LVAS) due to an issue called extrinsic outflow graft obstruction. The condition occurs when “biological material builds up between the HeartMate outflow graft and the outflow graft bend relief or additional components added during surgery,” a [recall notice](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/medical-device-recalls/abbottthoratec-corp-recalls-heartmate-ii-and-heartmate-3-left-ventricular-assist-system-lvas-due?utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fsource=govdelivery) says. “The buildup can obstruct the device, making it less effective in helping the heart pump blood. It can trigger alarms indicating low blood flow and affect the device's ability to help the heart properly.” The company says the material accumulation typically occurs after two years. The use of an affected LVAS may cause serious adverse events, including death.