PlainRecalls
ModerateClass IITerminated

FDA Devices recall · Reported May 1, 2019

Thoratec HeartMate 3 Coring Tool, Sterile EO, Rx Only, REF 10005872, an optional accessory of Thoratec HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist System - Product Usage: The HeartMate 3 Coring Tool is intended for use with the HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist System (LVAS). The Coring Tool provides a means to resect a plug of myocardium from the left ventricle, which allows for HeartMate 3 inflow cannula insertion.

Small black plastic particle was observed in the left ventricle during implant procedure.

Recall #
Z-1203-2019
Affected scope
650
Initiated
March 1, 2019
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Thoratec Corp. recalled Thoratec HeartMate 3 Coring Tool, Sterile EO, Rx Only, REF 10005872, an optional accesso… - a moderate-severity action.

Thoratec HeartMate 3 Coring Tool, Sterile EO, Rx Only, REF 10005872, an optional accesso… was recalled by Thoratec Corp. in May 1, 2019. Reason: Small black plastic particle was observed in the left ventricle during implant procedure.. Check the official notice for the remedy. Verify recall #Z-1203-2019 with the FDA Devices before acting.

The recall

Thoratec Corp. issued this moderate-severity FDA Devices recall-Small black plastic particle was observed in the left ventricle during implant procedure..

Moderate
severity level
650 units
affected scope
Class II
classification
May 1, 2019
reported

Sourced from official FDA Devices enforcement records. Verify recall #Z-1203-2019 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.

Medical Devices recalls over time

Where this recall sits in its category - 41,021 medical devices recalls on record

01,0002,0003,0004,000 20052008201120142017202020232026 1,947
Severity1906864652High severity (most serious)Moderate severityLow severity
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

Thoratec HeartMate 3 Coring Tool, Sterile EO, Rx Only, REF 10005872, an optional accessory of Thoratec HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist System - Product Usage: The HeartMate 3 Coring Tool is intended for use with the HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist System (LVAS). The Coring Tool provides a means to resect a plug of myocardium from the left ventricle, which allows for HeartMate 3 inflow cannula insertion.

Reason for recall

Small black plastic particle was observed in the left ventricle during implant procedure.

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 Terminated
Recall number Z-1203-2019
Date reported May 1, 2019
Date initiated March 1, 2019
Recalling firm Thoratec Corp.
Firm location Pleasanton, CA
Affected scope 650
Distribution US Nationwide distribution in the states of MN, WI, TX, NC, GA, OK, UT, NY, SC, IL, LA, MI, IN, CA, OH, WA. Foreign (OUS): AUSTRIA, BELGIUM, CANADA, ESTONIA, FRANCE, GERMANY, GREECE, INDIA, ITALY, KUWAIT, LIECHTENSTEIN, LITHUANIA, NETHE…

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

Scale of Impact

650 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-1203-2019) 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?
Thoratec HeartMate 3 Coring Tool, Sterile EO, Rx Only, REF 10005872, an optional accessory of Thoratec HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist System - Product Usage: The HeartMate 3 Coring Tool is intended for use with the HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist System (LVAS). The Coring Tool provides a means to resect a plug of myocardium from the left ventricle, which allows for HeartMate 3 inflow cannula insertion.. Recalled by Thoratec Corp.. Units affected: 650.
Why was this product recalled?
Small black plastic particle was observed in the left ventricle during implant procedure.
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the FDA Devices on May 1, 2019. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: Z-1203-2019.
Where was the recalled product distributed?
Distribution: US Nationwide distribution in the states of MN, WI, TX, NC, GA, OK, UT, NY, SC, IL, LA, MI, IN, CA, OH, WA. Foreign (OUS): AUSTRIA, BELGIUM, CANADA, ESTONIA, FRANCE, GERMANY, GREECE, INDIA, ITALY, KUWAIT, LIECHTENSTEIN, LITHUANIA, NETHERLANDS, POLAND, SAUDI ARABIA, SINGAPORE, SPAIN, SWITZERLAND, TURKEY, UNITED KINGDOM.
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

Drug and device notices outside this firm and state, matched by severity timing and product category.

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This recall: FDA Devices, reported May 1, 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