Transient power supply interruption with Medtronic HeartWare™ HVAD™ System

Heartware would like to inform healthcare professionals of a potential transient interruption of the electrical connection between an HeartWare™ Ventricular Assist Device (HVAD) System power source (Battery, AC Adapter, or DC Adapter) and the HVAD Controller that may result in unintended power switching to the secondary power source and/or unexpected audible tones (“beeping”). The interruption is due to oxidation of the connecting surfaces and typically lasts 1-2 seconds. The potential harms associated with intermittent power source disconnections can vary, depending on the patient’s underlying health and whether both power sources are connected as instructed in the Instruction for Use. Healthcare professionals are advised to reinforce the importance of always ensuring two power sources are connected at all times (except when changing a power source) and best practice guidance for managing power sources to their patients. In order to mitigate the effects of oxidation, Medtronic’s field representatives will also work with healthcare professionals to coordinate the servicing of their patients’ HVAD power source components by applying lubricant to all HVAD System power sources. Please refer to the letter for details.

Only abstracts of the Dear Healthcare Professional Letters (DHCPL) are provided on this website. Details of these letters can be found in the MOH Alert System, which is accessible via the Health Professionals Portal (HPP), a one-stop portal for all healthcare professionals in Singapore. Dentists, medical doctors and pharmacists may access HPP at https://hpp.moh.gov.sg and follow the procedures below to access the MOH Alert system.

Step 1: Select your profession under ‘For Healthcare Professionals’.

Step 2: Click on ‘Useful links’.

Step 3: Click on ‘MOH Alert’ and log in via Singpass.

Step 4: Click on ‘Drug Alerts’ or ‘Med Device Alerts’ to view the DHCPLs.