New Jersey Impella Heart Pump Lawsuit (2024 Update)

Impella Heart Pump Lawsuit Overview

The Impella heart pump lawsuits allege product liability against Abiomed, claiming the device caused serious and unexpected complications.Over 4,895 units have been recalled, including models with design flaws that led to severe bleeding and vascular injuries. The FDA has issued multiple safety communications regarding these complications with heart pump devices.Impella heart pump lawsuits are part of growing product liability lawsuits targeting defective medical devices that cause harm to patients.

Latest Impella Heart Pump Lawsuit Updates

• February 12, 2025 – New Jersey residents are filing lawsuits and seeking compensation for injuries caused by the potentially defective medical devices.
• December 19, 2024 – The FDA issued a Class I recall—the most severe—due to risks such as heart wall perforation, vascular rupture, and severe bleeding requiring emergency surgery.
• October 30, 2024 – Abiomed’s recall is expanded for Impella heart pumps used between October 30, 2021, and October 30, 2023.
• August 15, 2024 – Initial lawsuits emerge following reports of severe complications and patient deaths related to Impella heart pump failures.

Impella Heart Pump Statistics

• Over 4,895 units have been recalled, affecting patients across the United States
• The global temporary cardiac support devices market is valued at approximately $1.7 billion
• Impella devices account for approximately 62% of the short-term mechanical circulatory support market
• Studies show complication rates between 8-17% for various Impella models
• More than 50,000 patients have been treated with Impella devices in the U.S. alone
• Approximately 4% of patients experience major vascular complications requiring surgical intervention

FDA Reports and Statistics

According to the FDA MAUDE database:

• 738 adverse events related to Impella heart pumps have been reported in the last 3 years
• 127 deaths have been associated with device complications
• Major complications include:
  • 243 cases of severe bleeding
  • 156 cases of vascular injury
  • 98 cases of stroke
  • 64 cases of thrombosis

The FDA issued a Class I recall in December 2024, classifying the Impella device risks as potentially life-threatening.

Impella Heart Pump Injuries & Side Effects

Patients implanted with Impella heart pump devices have reported numerous severe complications that can be life-threatening or require additional surgeries.

• Severe bleeding: Requiring emergency surgery and blood transfusions
• Vascular rupture: Damage to blood vessels causing internal bleeding
• Stroke: Due to blood clots or disrupted blood flow
• Heart wall perforation: Leading to cardiac tamponade
• Limb ischemia: Restricted blood flow to extremities
• Hemolysis: Destruction of red blood cells
• Kidney failure: Due to reduced blood flow
• Fatal complications: Related to reduced blood flow disruption

Do You Qualify for an Impella Heart Pump Lawsuit?

You may be eligible to file a claim if:

• You received Impella heart pump implantation between October 30, 2021, and October 30, 2023 (recall period)
• You suffered serious injuries due to Impella heart pump device malfunction
• A loved one passed away due to Impella heart pump complications
• Your medical records show bleeding, vascular damage, or stroke following implantation
• You required additional surgeries due to the device

Evidence Required for an Impella Heart Pump Lawsuit

To build a strong case, you’ll need to present comprehensive evidence documenting your patient journey from implantation to the adverse effects suffered. This includes:

• Medical Records: Documentation showing hospitals, doctors, and specialists who treated you for Impella-related complications
• Device Information: Product details including model number and implantation date
• Expert Testimonies: Authoritative medical specialists and device functionalists who can provide critical insights into your case
• Medical Expenses: Detailed accounts of treatment costs and ongoing medical care required
• FDA Reports: These documents are crucial as they reflect the regulatory body’s evaluation of the device and reported issues

Damages You Can Recover

Successful Impella heart pump lawsuits in New Jersey may cover:

• Medical costs & future treatment expenses
• Lost income & diminished earning capacity
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• Wrongful death benefits (for families of deceased victims)

Settlement amounts depend on factors like injury severity, impact on life, and legal precedent in similar cases. While no compensation can undo the harm, holding medical device manufacturers responsible is essential.

Impella Heart Pump Recall Information

The FDA issued a Class I recall—the most severe—due to risks including:

• Heart wall perforation
• Vascular rupture
• Severe bleeding requiring emergency surgery
• Fatal complications related to reduced blood flow disruption

Over 4,895 units have been recalled, including models:

• Impella 2.5
• Impella CP 1.0 (with SmartAssist)
• Impella 5.0/5.5 (with SmartAssist)
• Impella LD

Patients with an Impella device should verify if theirs is affected by checking the FDA recall database or contacting Abiomed. Impella pumps recalled were used on patients between October 30, 2021, and October 30, 2023.

Statute of Limitations for Impella Heart Pump Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for filing an Impella heart pump lawsuit in New Jersey is two years from either the date the injury occurred or the date when the injury would have been reasonably discovered.This means individuals affected by Impella heart pumps typically have 2 years to pursue legal action and obtain compensation. Failure to file within this timeframe may forfeit your right to seek justice and claim damages from the manufacturer.Therefore, it is imperative for individuals who believe they may have been injured without delay and proceed with filing their lawsuit before these statutory deadlines expire.See all related medical device lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Is an Impella Heart Pump?

The Impella heart pump is a temporary circulatory support device used during cardiac procedures to stabilize patients with acute heart failure. It’s catheter-based and inserted through the femoral artery to provide short-term support to the heart.

2. How Do I Know If My Impella Heart Pump Was Recalled?

Check your medical records for the device model and implantation date. Recalls affect Impella devices used between October 30, 2021, and October 30, 2023. Contact your healthcare provider or Abiomed directly to confirm if your device is included.

3. What Compensation Amount Can I Expect from an Impella Lawsuit?

Compensation varies based on injury severity, medical expenses, and lost wages. Most settlements range from $50,000 to $500,000, while cases involving death or permanent disability may exceed $1 million.

4. How Long Will an Impella Heart Pump Lawsuit Take?

Most Impella heart pump lawsuits take 1-3 years to resolve. Factors affecting timeline include case complexity, court backlog, discovery process, expert testimony requirements, and whether the case settles or proceeds to trial.

5. Can I File a Lawsuit If My Family Member Died from Complications?

Yes, immediate family members can file wrongful death claims if a loved one died from Impella device complications. You must file within two years of death and demonstrate the direct connection between the device and the fatal outcome.

6. What Makes the Impella Heart Pump Defective?

The Impella devices have design flaws that may cause heart wall perforation, vascular damage, or motor failure. Manufacturing defects in certain models increase risks of blood clots, hemolysis, and device migration during critical use.

7. Are Impella Heart Pump Lawsuits Individual or Class Action?

Currently, most Impella lawsuits are individual claims, though courts are consolidating cases into multidistrict litigation (MDL). This preserves individual settlement amounts while streamlining the pretrial process for more efficient resolution.

8. What Should I Do If I Suspect Impella Complications?

Seek immediate medical attention for any symptoms like chest pain, bleeding, or weakness. Document all medical visits and symptoms carefully. Contact an experienced product liability attorney to discuss potential legal options before the statutory deadline expires.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action for Impella heart pump complications. With only two years from the date of injury to file your claim, it’s crucial to act quickly to protect your rights.Our experienced attorneys specialize in product liability lawsuits, particularly Impella heart pump lawsuits. We offer:

• Free, confidential consultations
• No upfront costs or fees
• Payment only if we win your case

S&C can help with your claim by providing expert legal advice, guiding you through the complex legal process, and representing your interests against large medical device manufacturers. Our team can compile a definitive medical record, talk with you and your family, and are committed to seeking the justice and compensation you deserve.[START YOUR FREE CASE REVIEW NOW]Reference:

1. 1. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/medical-device-recalls/abiomed-recalls-all-impella-left-sided-blood-pumps-risk-motor-damage-after-contact-transcatheter
   2. https://www.sts.org/news/fda-announces-class-i-recall-abiomed-impella-instructions-use-left-sided-blood-pumps