Mobile Power Unit AC Power Cord Recall: Abbott Medical Removes Defective Cords Linked to HeartMate Devices

Abbott Medical, one of the largest players in the cardiovascular device market, has issued an urgent recall of certain AC power cords used with its HeartMate Mobile Power Unit (MPU). The FDA has classified this recall as the most serious type, warning that the defect could result in serious injury or death if the faulty cords are used. This recall underscores ongoing concerns about Abbott’s history of medical device reliability, a theme that has surfaced in prior recalls and safety notices.

What the Recall Involves

The recall centers on Abbott’s AC Power Cord (model 107760), which powers the HeartMate Mobile Power Unit (model 107754). Specific lot numbers distributed between May 6, 2025, and June 12, 2025, are impacted. The affected cords may fail to lock securely into the MPU, creating the risk of unintended disconnection.

If a power cord disconnects while in use:

• The MPU loses its ability to deliver power to the HeartMate system controller.
• Patients are forced to rely on backup batteries, which provide only 15 minutes of power.
• If reconnection is delayed, pump flow will cease, potentially resulting in hemodynamic instability, multi-organ failure, or death.

Although no injuries or deaths have been reported yet, Abbott and the FDA are emphasizing the seriousness of this failure mode. Even a brief interruption in LVAD power can have life-threatening consequences.

Instructions for Healthcare Providers

Abbott has instructed healthcare providers to:

• Review inventory and patient assignments against the affected lot numbers.
• Provide patient letters and ensure patients understand the risks.
• Educate patients to test their power cords by ensuring the yellow locking mechanism clicks into place when fully inserted.
• Remind patients to always keep their 14V rechargeable batteries charged and available.
• Contact Abbott Technical Support at 1-800-456-1477 if a replacement is needed.

Abbott representatives will visit affected clinics, review MPU inventory, and replace defective cords.

Instructions for Patients

Patients using a HeartMate MPU should:

• Test their AC power cords by pulling gently after insertion to confirm the yellow button locks.
• Use their 14V batteries as backup while waiting for replacement cords.
• Avoid relying on the controller’s backup battery, which only provides 15 minutes of emergency power.
• Contact Abbott immediately if the power cord does not lock securely.

Abbott has published updated guidance and handbooks at: Abbott Manuals.

Reason for Recall

The recall is due to a manufacturing defect involving the V-lock feature of certain power cords. Some cords were distributed with the locking feature misaligned, meaning they could be pulled from the MPU without pressing the release button. While the MPU itself is not defective, the compromised cords create the risk of sudden power loss.

The FDA stresses that because the HeartMate MPU is a life-sustaining device for patients dependent on left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), even short lapses in power delivery can trigger catastrophic outcomes.

Abbott’s History of Device Recalls

This is not the first time Abbott has faced scrutiny over its medical devices. At KBD Attorneys, we have been tracking Abbott’s history of recalls and product safety concerns:

• HeartMate 3 LVAD System Recalls – Prior recalls addressed software and mechanical malfunctions that risked pump stoppage and patient harm.
• Abbott’s ICD and CRT-D Devices – In past years, Abbott recalled implantable defibrillators due to premature battery depletion, leaving patients vulnerable to sudden cardiac arrest.
• COVID-19 Testing Products – Abbott also issued recalls for its rapid testing kits due to accuracy concerns, reflecting broader quality control issues.

Together, these incidents paint a troubling picture of recurring reliability gaps in Abbott’s product line—especially concerning devices that patients rely on for survival.

Our firm has published many blogs regarding HeartMate failures and dangers:

Latest Abbott HeartMate Recall the Most Serious Yet

HeartMate II Recall and Heartmate 3 Recall – Heartmate Injury and Heartmate Death

HeartMate System Monitor Recall

Latest Abbott HeartMate System Recall and What It Means for Patients

More News about the HeartMate II and HeartMate 3 Recalls

FDA Recall of the HeartMate 3™

Legal and Patient Safety Implications

When recalls impact life-sustaining devices, the stakes are exceptionally high. Patients face:

• Risk of sudden hospitalization or death.
• Emotional stress and diminished trust in critical medical devices.
• Financial costs tied to medical emergencies and equipment replacement.

From a legal standpoint, this raises questions about:

• Whether Abbott performed adequate pre-market testing.
• How quickly Abbott identified and reported adverse events.
• Abbott’s responsibility for damages suffered by patients.

At KBD Attorneys, we continue to investigate potential claims against Abbott and other device manufacturers when preventable defects put patients at risk.

What Patients Should Do

If you or a loved one uses a HeartMate MPU:

1. Check whether your power cord lot number is included in the recall.
2. Follow Abbott’s testing instructions to confirm secure cord locking.
3. Keep 14V batteries fully charged and available at all times.
4. Do not rely on the controller backup battery except for brief emergencies.
5. Contact Abbott immediately for a replacement cord if issues are found.
6. Report any adverse events to the FDA’s MedWatch program.

Conclusion

The Abbott HeartMate MPU power cord recall serves as yet another reminder of the vulnerabilities in critical medical technology. Although no injuries have been reported, the defect could cause life-threatening outcomes if left unaddressed. Patients and healthcare providers must act quickly to identify and replace defective cords.

For Abbott, this recall adds to a growing history of product reliability concerns that erode patient trust. For patients, it highlights the importance of vigilance, manufacturer accountability, and legal advocacy.

At KBD Attorneys, we are committed to standing by patients harmed by defective medical devices. If you or a loved one has been impacted by Abbott’s HeartMate devices—or any other defective medical device—contact us today to discuss your options.