Impella Adverse Events: FDA MAUDE Data
Abiomed, Inc. · Temporary Left Heart Support Pump (Impella) · First cleared Mar 2015 · 37 device variants grouped
Total Reports
43,110
Reports (30d)
943
Active Signals
10
Open Recalls
39
What the reports describe · Claripulse analysis
Most commonly reported problems
Cardiogenic Shock with Ventricular Thrombus
scai, shock, cardiogenic, stage, cardiogenic shock
744
reports
Cardiac Arrest During Mechanical Support
purge, scai, shock, stage, year old
321
reports
Device Failed During Preventative Maintenance
provided preventative, information provided, available information, preventative maintenance, involvement available
101
reports
Device Failed Inspection During Maintenance
provided preventative, information provided, available information, preventative maintenance, involvement available
62
reports
Placement Signal Not Reliable Alarm During Support
complainant reported, impella device, placement, signal, alarm
45
reports
Crack Identified in Blue Retainer
expected, repair, purge, use, identified
37
reports
Problem groupings are generated by Claripulse from report narrative text. They summarize what reporters wrote, not adjudicated root cause.
Detection
Active safety signals
Regulatory
FDA recalls for this device
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.
Feb 18, 2026 · Open, Classified
Increased risk of purge leaks with Generation 1 purge cassettes.
Feb 16, 2026 · Open, Classified
Potential that the "Purge System Blocked" alarm display on the Automated Impella Controller (AIC) could be delayed when using first generation Impella 5.5 (0550-0008*) pumps.
Dec 4, 2025 · Open, Classified
Device packaged in incorrect outer box carton.
Evidence
Related research
Consolo F, et al. · ESC heart failure · 2024
Zein R, et al. · Interventional cardiology (London, England) · 2022
Asma E, et al. · BMC pediatrics · 2023
Parsons MV, et al. · PloS one · 2025
Citations indexed from PubMed.
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