Daniel Chang | KFF Health News

The HeartMate 3 is a mechanical pump designed for patients with end-stage heart failure and manufactured by Thoratec Corp., a subsidiary of Abbott Laboratories of North Chicago. Known as a left ventricular assist device, the HeartMate 3 helps the main pumping chamber of the heart pump blood to the rest of the body. The device can be used by patients awaiting a heart transplant or for long-term therapy. The device is powered by a cable that is attached to the pump and exits the body through a surgical opening and connects to a controller and batteries or other power source, according to the manufacturer’s instruction manual.

Health

FDA recalls Abbott heart pumps linked to deaths, injuries

The recall affects the only medical option for many patients with end-stage heart failure who do not qualify for a transplant.

By Daniel Chang | KFF Health News and Holly Hacker | KFF Health News