Amplatzer Steerable Delivery Sheath

The Amplatzer Steerable Delivery Sheath is a positioning device used to place an occluder during a left atrial appendage closure. The Amplatzer Steerable Delivery Sheath has a flexible design capable of bidirectional movement up to 120 degrees once inserted.

A left atrial appendage closure is an alternative to taking blood thinners to prevent strokes. This procedure prevents blood clots from leaving the left atrial appendage in the heart and entering into the blood stream.

The ASDS allows improved efficiency and accuracy when placing Abbott’s Amplatzer Amulet Left Atrial Appendage Occluder. It may help shorten surgery time and reduce complications in complex cases.

Abbott issued several warnings and precautionary statements associated with its delivery sheath. Specifically, it says that surgeons should use caution when removing the dilator and sheath from a patient to prevent air embolisms.

Additionally, the alternative small-bore connector used on the ASDS is different from others in the ISO 80369 series, which may cause complications and potentially hazardous situations for patients. Users should take measures to reduce these foreseeable risks.

According to Abbott, contraindications for the Amplatzer Steerable Delivery Sheath include individuals presenting with blood clots in the heart as well as active infections. It’s also not suitable for use with a power injection system.

Abbott lists several serious and potentially fatal adverse effects related to the use of its Amplatzer Steerable Delivery Sheath.

These include air embolism, arrhythmia, bleeding, heart failure, hypertension, hypotension, stroke, thrombosis, transient ischemic attack and vessel failure. Additionally, Abbott cautions about proper device use and the risk of introducing air during Amulet delivery.

In addition to standard potential adverse effects associated with the ASDS, a higher-than-expected number of air embolisms occurred with use. This led to Amplatzer Steerable Delivery Sheath complications in 26 instances, resulting in 16 injuries. These incidents were the impetus for the Abbott recall.

Is Abbott’s Catheter Dangerous?

Testing showed the Amplatzer Steerable Delivery Sheath to be a safe medical device that can greatly reduce complications in certain complex left atrial appendage occlusion procedures. Its use supports shorter surgeries and more precise implant delivery compared to using rigid sheaths.

However, Abbott’s design uses a different connector than similar devices, which may increase the risk of misuse. Device literature offers suggestions for safety precautions to minimize risk. Additionally, scheduled clinical trials aim to measure the effectiveness and safety of steerable devices compared to rigid models.

Despite its advances, a higher-than-expected number of complications resulted from using the Amplatzer Steerable Delivery Sheath. This led to a June 2023 recall of 675 units of the device.

Talk to your surgeon about whether they used the Abbott steerable sheath in your catheterization. If you or a loved one have suffered complications from an Amplatzer Steerable Delivery Sheath, you may be eligible for compensation.

Abbott issued a voluntary Amplatzer Steerable Delivery Sheath recall on June 12, 2023, because of a flaw in the device design. This resulted in an overall reported incidence rate of 0.77% related to observed or potential air embolism during use.

Of the 26 incidences reported, most resolved on their own without treatment, while a small number required medical intervention. There are 16 injuries and no fatalities associated with the steerable sheath.

Air embolism is a rare but potentially fatal medical event where an air bubble enters a vein or artery. Patients may experience mild symptoms or none at all. However, there is potential for more serious complications, including cardiovascular collapse and death.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration designated this a Class 1 recall, the most serious type, indicating that continued use of the device presents a reasonable risk of serious health injury or death. Recommended actions include returning unused devices, switching to the alternative fixed curve TorqVue 45 degree by 45 degree delivery system for future Amulet implants, and returning a letter of acknowledgment.

People who experienced an embolism after surgery have filed Amplatzer Steerable Delivery Sheath lawsuits to recover damages resulting from the device. Families who lose a loved one due to embolism after surgery can file wrongful death suits.

If you sustained injuries resulting from a recalled Abbott steerable sheath, you should consult an experienced lawyer for guidance. Product liability attorneys will assess your case, guide you through the litigation process and negotiate a settlement on your behalf.