ModerateClass IIOngoing

FDA Devices recall · Reported November 13, 2019

The LivaNova VNS Therapy System, used for Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS), consists of an implantable VNS Therapy generator, lead, and external programming system used to change stimulation settings. The generator is an implantable, multi-programmable pulse generator that delivers electrical signals to the vagus nerve through the lead. The generator is housed in a hermetically sealed titanium case and is powered by a single battery. Electrical signals are transmitted from the generator to the vagu

Q: Which agency issued this recall?

This recall was issued by the FDA Devices on November 13, 2019. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: Z-0346-2020.

Q: Where was the recalled product distributed?

Distribution: US: PA, WV, KY, NY, MD, VA, DC, NC, GA, SC, NJ, DE, MA, OH, RI, CT, ME, NH, VT, IL, WI, IN, MO, MI, MN, SD, ND, NE,KS, IA, TX, OK, TN, MS, AL, FL, LA, ID, MT, WA, OR, UT, AK, AZ, AZ , CO, WY, NM, CA, HI, AR. Foreign (OUS): Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Finland, United Kingdom, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden.

Q: Should I stop using a recalled medication or medical device?

Do not stop using a recalled medication or device without consulting your healthcare provider first, as abruptly discontinuing treatment could pose its own health risks. Your doctor can advise on alternatives or whether the recall applies to your specific product lot. Check the recall number and lot information against your product packaging.

Lead impedance values reported by the affected VNS generator will be higher compared to those reported by previous models. This is due to a change in the timing of when affected V…

Recall #: Z-0346-2020
Affected scope: 9282
Initiated: November 16, 2018

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher. · Updated September 2026

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LivaNova USA Inc recalled The LivaNova VNS Therapy System, used for Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS), consists of an i… - a moderate-severity action.

The LivaNova VNS Therapy System, used for Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS), consists of an i… was recalled by LivaNova USA Inc in November 13, 2019. Reason: Lead impedance values reported by the affected VNS generator will be higher compared to those reported by pre…. Check the official notice for the remedy. Verify recall #Z-0346-2020 with the FDA Devices before acting.

The recall

LivaNova USA Inc issued this moderate-severity FDA Devices recall-Lead impedance values reported by the affected VNS generator will be higher compared to those reported by pre….

Moderate
severity level: 9K units
affected scope: Class II
classification: November 13, 2019
reported

Sourced from official FDA Devices enforcement records. Verify recall #Z-0346-2020 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.

Recall Insight

This recall's affected scope, documented in the Recall Profile below, stays within a single-region or limited-distribution footprint. Distribution scope (see Distribution below) directly affects the consumer exposure window and determines whether a recall remains regional or escalates into a nationwide advisory.

Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 6 from FDA Devices - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.

Where this agency-classified recall sits among FDA Class I/II/III notices

Of 88,244 recalls with an agency hazard classification, 19,068 are high severity, 64,652 moderate, and 4,524 low. A further 16,179 CPSC/NHTSA recalls have no agency class and are excluded from this split. This recall is classified moderate severity.

Counts reflect market size and reporting activity, not inherent danger, we do not rank products by risk from raw recall volume.

Product description

The LivaNova VNS Therapy System, used for Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS), consists of an implantable VNS Therapy generator, lead, and external programming system used to change stimulation settings. The generator is an implantable, multi-programmable pulse generator that delivers electrical signals to the vagus nerve through the lead. The generator is housed in a hermetically sealed titanium case and is powered by a single battery. Electrical signals are transmitted from the generator to the vagus nerve by the lead. The lead and the generator make up the implantable portion of the VNS Therapy System. The VNS Therapy Programming System includes a computer pre-installed with VNS Therapy programming software and a programming wand. The physician uses the programming system to read and change generator settings. The Model 1000 Generator was commercially approved for distribution in the U.S. on October 3, 2017 via PMA P970003/S210.

Reason for recall

Lead impedance values reported by the affected VNS generator will be higher compared to those reported by previous models. This is due to a change in the timing of when affected VNS generator takes the lead impedance measurement during diagnostic testing. As a result, normal impedance ranges for the affected VNS generator have shifted relative to the existing thresholds of 600 - 5300 Ohms defined in labeling and as present in the programming software.

Recall Profile

Structured summary of the FDA Devices recall record
Attribute	Value
Agency	U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Severity class	Moderate (Class II)
Status	Ongoing
Recall number	Z-0346-2020
Date reported	November 13, 2019
Date initiated	November 16, 2018
Recalling firm	LivaNova USA Inc
Firm location	Houston, TX
Affected scope	9282
Distribution	US: PA, WV, KY, NY, MD, VA, DC, NC, GA, SC, NJ, DE, MA, OH, RI, CT, ME, NH, VT, IL, WI, IN, MO, MI, MN, SD, ND, NE,KS, IA, TX, OK, TN, MS, AL, FL, LA, ID, MT, WA, OR, UT, AK, AZ, AZ , CO, WY, NM, CA, HI, AR. Foreign (OUS): Austria, Swit…

Profile values are sourced directly from the official FDA Devices enforcement record. Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Scale of Impact

9282 units affected - limited or regional distribution scale.

Regional (<10K units) ✓ This recall

Multi-state (10K – 100K units) -

Large-scale (100K – 1M units) -

Massive (≥1M units) -

Bracket cutoffs follow federal recall-disclosure conventions; bar widths scale linearly within each bracket. Source: PlainRecalls analysis of U.S. Food and Drug Administration filings.

What to do with this recall

Match your product against the recall record, then act on the agency remedy.

Check the recall number (Z-0346-2020) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
Confirm the current status with FDA Devices before acting, recall details can be updated.
Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next

This page summarizes the official FDA Devices record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What product was recalled? ▼

Why was this product recalled? ▼

Which agency issued this recall? ▼

This recall was issued by the FDA Devices on November 13, 2019. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: Z-0346-2020.

Where was the recalled product distributed? ▼

Distribution: US: PA, WV, KY, NY, MD, VA, DC, NC, GA, SC, NJ, DE, MA, OH, RI, CT, ME, NH, VT, IL, WI, IN, MO, MI, MN, SD, ND, NE,KS, IA, TX, OK, TN, MS, AL, FL, LA, ID, MT, WA, OR, UT, AK, AZ, AZ , CO, WY, NM, CA, HI, AR. Foreign (OUS): Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Finland, United Kingdom, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden.

Should I stop using a recalled medication or medical device? ▼

Do not stop using a recalled medication or device without consulting your healthcare provider first, as abruptly discontinuing treatment could pose its own health risks. Your doctor can advise on alternatives or whether the recall applies to your specific product lot. Check the recall number and lot information against your product packaging.

Nationwide recalls with similar severity or category timing

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This recall: FDA Devices, reported November 13, 2019. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy; related-recall context is computed across the full archive.

Methodology · Corrections · Archive as of August 2026