Fletchers Solicitors investigate Medtronic Heart Pump Compensation Claims

Fletchers Solicitors’ Specialist Medical Product Litigation Team led by Lisa Lunt and Sarah Samuel  are investigating potential claims for patients and families affected by the HeartWare HVAD device.

Fletchers Solicitors are currently investigating a claim against the manufacturers of the Medtronic Heart Pump in addition to claims against two Hospital Trusts that continued to use the device, despite reports that it had a higher mortality rate that its rival product. If you or a loved one were fitted with  a Medtronic HeartWare HVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device) at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle or Harefield Hospital in London or elsewhere, you may be entitled to compensation.

About the Medtronic HeartWare HVAD Device

The HeartWare HVAD, manufactured by Medtronic, was a mechanical heart pump designed to help patients with severe heart failure by assisting the heart in circulating blood around the body. It was typically used for patients awaiting a transplant or those unsuitable for one.

In June 2021, Medtronic withdrew the device from sale “in the interest of patient safety”, following evidence that patients fitted with the HVAD experienced higher rates of stroke, pump malfunction, and death compared with those who received a rival device made by Abbott.

Why patients are coming forward

Recent reports have revealed that despite growing safety concerns and emerging data highlighting increased risks, some hospitals continued to fit the Medtronic HVAD device for several years.

Both the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle and Harefield Hospital in London have been named among the centres that continued using the device up until its withdrawal.

Families affected by complications linked to this device are now seeking answers about whether they were fully informed of the known risks, and whether appropriate safety actions were taken once concerns became known.

“Medical devices such as the Medtronic HeartWare HVAD should have stopped being used as soon as the data became available around the significant increased risks.
There were other options available, and many patients are understandably worried following the announcement.

We can help patients seek answers and compensation as a result. We want to reassure patients that we are investigating this and that, if they come forward, we can help them assess their options.” Lisa Lunt, Head of Medical Product Litigation, Fletchers Solicitors

Concerns about continued use at Freeman and Harefield Hospitals

Despite mounting safety data and internal NHS analysis showing increased risks associated with the Medtronic HeartWare HVAD, it has been reported that both the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle and Harefield Hospital in London continued to fit the device until its withdrawal in 2021.

Families affected by complications linked to the device are now seeking clarity about whether they were fully informed of the known risks and whether appropriate safety measures were taken once concerns became known. We will also be investigating whether the manufacturer ought to have withdrawn the product much earlier.

 Common complications associated with the Medtronic Heart Pump

Patients fitted with the Medtronic HeartWare HVAD have reported serious complications, including:

• Stroke or neurological injury
• Pump malfunction or failure to restart
• Blood clots or internal bleeding
• Infection around the driveline site
• Premature death

If you or a loved one suffered any of these complications after receiving a Medtronic HVAD, or you are concerned about the risks and wish to have it removed, you may be able to bring a legal claim.

How Fletchers Solicitors can help

Fletchers Solicitors has one of the UK’s leading specialist medical product and device litigation teams, with extensive experience in claims involving faulty medical devices and pharmaceutical products.

Our lawyers have acted for thousands of clients in complex, large-scale claims involving defective implants, surgical devices, and unsafe medical products. We are well-established in challenging major international manufacturers and securing justice for patients harmed by unsafe devices.

Our team can help you:

• Investigate whether your Medtronic heart pump was part of the affected range
• Obtain and review your hospital and device records
• Establish whether you were properly informed of known safety risks
• Assess your eligibility for compensation
• Provide clear, compassionate legal advice every step of the way

Why choose Fletchers Solicitors?

• Leaders in medical product litigation – representing clients in major group actions against leading device manufacturers.
• Proven track record in securing justice for those harmed by defective medical products.
• National reputation for handling complex, high-profile medical negligence and device claims.
• No win, no fee funding available – so there’s no financial risk to starting your claim.

Contact the team today for a Free Case Assessment and to find out your options.

If you or a loved one were fitted with a Medtronic HeartWare HVAD at Freeman Hospital or Harefield Hospital, and have since suffered complications or lost a loved one, our dedicated team can help.

Complete our online enquiry form for a free, confidential assessment.