PlainRecalls
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

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 editorial team.
Verify with FDA Devices →
View my saved recalls

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 FDA Devices action (record #Z-0346-2020) was formally reported on November 13, 2019, with the manufacturer initiating the action on November 16, 2018. It is classified under Moderate severity (Class II), with a current status of Ongoing. LivaNova USA Inc is listed as the recalling firm, operating out of Houston, TX. Federal records list the affected scope as 9282.

The documented reason for this recall is: 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 me… Distribution data in the federal record shows the product reached: 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 …. Distribution scope 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, 3 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.

Medical Devices recalls over time

Where this recall sits in its category - 40,322 medical devices recalls on record

-1,00001,0002,0003,0004,000 20052008201120142017202020232026 1,248
Severity2487872426High severity (most serious)Moderate severityLow severity
Where this recall sits in the database

Of 101,704 recalls in the database, 24,878 are high severity, 72,426 moderate, and 4,400 low. 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.

Severity

Moderate

Affected scope

9282

Related Recalls

6

3 from same agency

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?
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.. Recalled by LivaNova USA Inc. Units affected: 9282.
Why was this product recalled?
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.
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.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall?
Check the product description and recall number (Z-0346-2020) against your product. Visit the official FDA Devices website for the most current information. You can also use our Recall Checker tool to search by product name or brand.
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.

Nearby Recalls in This Category

Other recalls in the same product category, useful for spotting patterns across the same defect class or manufacturer.

Compare this recall with Rowenta Recalls Cordless Vacuum Cleaners Due to Risk of Ser… →

Browse all Medical Devices recalls →

Every figure on PlainRecalls is rendered directly from official FDA, CPSC and NHTSA recall records, no number is typed in by an editor. This recall: FDA Devices, reported November 13, 2019. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy (FDA Class I/II/III; CPSC and NHTSA by hazard type), and related-recall context is computed across the full archive. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of July 2026.