Impella Adverse Events: FDA MAUDE Data
Abiomed, Inc. · Temporary Left Heart Support Pump (Impella) · First cleared Mar 2015 · 37 device variants grouped
Total Reports
44,096
Reports (30d)
986
Active Signals
10
Open Recalls
43
Detection
Active safety signals
Regulatory
FDA recalls for this device
Aug 12, 2026 · Open, Classified
The potential for purge cassette recognition issues due to the failure of the purge flag component of the purge pressure sensor assembly.
Aug 12, 2026 · Open, Classified
The potential for purge cassette recognition issues due to the failure of the purge flag component of the purge pressure sensor assembly.
Aug 12, 2026 · Open, Classified
The potential for purge cassette recognition issues due to the failure of the purge flag component of the purge pressure sensor assembly.
May 18, 2026 · Open, Classified
Exposure to the low purge pressure occurrence may result in persistent low purge pressure alarms and, in some cases, interruption or loss of mechanical circulatory support.
May 14, 2026 · Open, Classified
Potential software error in the Automated Impella Controller ("AIC" ) when used in conjunction with left ventricular Impella devices.
Apr 20, 2026 · Open, Classified
A retrospective review identified that there are AIC units requiring specific hardware updates to address potential safety concerns. These hardware updates have been implemented through Abiomed s servicing process; therefore, AICs that have not received service are pending these updates. Issue 1: The proximity of the internal Video Graphics Array cable to the Digital Signal Processor chipset on the Impellatronic printed circuit assembly could potentially result in Electrostatic Discharge coupling into the Digital Signal Processor which may interrupt motor controls. Issue 2: There is a potential for the Compact Flash Memory Card dislodgement due to external applied forces, which could result in AIC startup failures and data logging issues. Issue 3: Improper routing of the fan wire within the AIC could lead to fan wire damage, which may result in console boot-up failure. Issue 4: Potential capacitor related issues on the Power Battery Manager, including the potential for the capacitors to cause pump stop, purge stop, and/or single fan fuse failures.
Evidence
Related research
Improved clinical outcomes associated with the Impella 5.5 compared to the Impella 5.0 in contemporary cardiogenic shock and heart failure patients
Danny Ramzy, et al. · The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation · 2023
Clinical management of the Impella 5.5 pump
Alexander M. J. Bernhardt, et al. · The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation · 2025
Multicenter registry of Impella-assisted high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions and cardiogenic shock in Poland (IMPELLA-PL)
Arkadiusz Pietrasik, et al. · Kardiologia Polska · 2023
Late-Presenting Myocardial Infarction With PCI and Impella Placement Complicated by Ventricular Septal Defect and Impella Malfunction
Zaheen Hossain, et al. · Journal of Investigative Medicine High Impact Case Reports · 2026
Valvular complications following the Impella device implantation
Davorin Sef, et al. · Journal of Cardiac Surgery · 2021
Citations indexed from PubMed.
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