Cardiology negligence – why are unsafe devices still being used?
Two major UK transplant centres continued using the Medtronic HeartWare HVAD device for patients with severe heart failure, despite NHS concerns raised in 2018 that it had a significantly higher mortality rate compared to its rival, Abbott’s Heartmate III.
NHS Blood and Transplant audits in 2018 and 2019 showed stark differences in the mortality rate:
- Medtronic device: 45% mortality within two years.
- Abbott device: 15% mortality in the same period.
Patients exposed to higher risks of mortality
Although several UK transplant centres stopped using the Medtronic device (the Royal Papworth Hospital stopped the device in early 2018 after reviewing international trials), hospitals in Newcastle and London continued using the device. As a result of this decision, patients were exposed to higher risk of mortality and unfortunately, it seems that some patients have suffered avoidable harm.
Both hospitals said decisions were based on complex clinical judgment and that there were “no clear grounds” at the time to believe Medtronic’s device was inferior.
It is concerning to read that the device was authorised by the regulator, having not been informed of the NHS data relating to this device. Medtronic withdrew the device in June 2021 citing safety concerns and a malfunction where pumps failed to restart.
Contact our cardiology negligence solicitors today
If you or a loved one have received poor cardiology treatment by a healthcare professional, we urge you to call us free on 0808 164 0808, or request a call back and we will call you.
