The FDA has identified this as a Class I recall, the most serious type of recall. Use of these devices may cause serious injuries or death.
Recalled Product(s)
- Edwards LifeSciences Certitude Delivery System (used for delivery of Edwards SAPIEN 3 Transcatheter Heart Valve)
- Model/Item Numbers: 9600CT20A, 9600CT23A, 9600CT26A, 9600CT29A, 9600SDS20A, 9600SDS23A, 9600SDS26A, 9600SDS29A
- Lot Numbers: Select lot numbers between 60677270 and 60990824.
- Manufacturing Dates: November 22, 2016 to July 10, 2017
- Distribution Dates: January 9, 2017 to July 17, 2017
- Devices Recalled in the U.S.: 1,730
Device Use
The Edwards LifeSciences Certitude Delivery System is used for delivery of the Edwards SAPIEN 3 transcatheter heart valve (THV), typically used during a transcatheter aortic valve replacement.
The Certitude Delivery System includes a balloon catheter that expands a compressed (crimped) THV, a loader that delivers the THV through the guiding tube, and extension tubing.
During a procedure, the physician will first crimp the THV onto the balloon of the Certitude Delivery System. The Certitude Delivery System is then inserted into the body, usually during a transapical (inserted through small incision under left breast) or transaortic (inserted through small incision in the top right side of the chest) approach. The THV is then deployed through the guiding tube to the site of the native stenotic aortic valve, where it is expanded and fixed in place.
Image of the Edwards Certitude Delivery System (Credit: FDA)
Reason for Recall
Edwards LifeSciences is recalling its Certitude Delivery System due to a molding overflow defect in the button valve within the loader. The overflow material could detach during placement of the delivery system and potentially embolize into the patient.
Such an embolism could obstruct blood flow to critical organs, leading to serious injury and/or a need to surgically extract the overflow material from the patient. In dire situations, severe neurologic, cardiac, limb, renal, or gastrointestinal injury may result.
Who May be Affected
- Hospitals and health care professionals performing a transcatheter aortic valve replacement using an Edwards Certitude Delivery System manufactured between November 22, 2016 to July 10, 2017.
- Patients undergoing a transcatheter aortic valve replacement using an Edwards Certitude Delivery System manufactured between November 22, 2016 to July 10, 2017.
What to Do
On July 21, 2017, Edwards LifeSciences sent affected customers a “Recall Notification Letter” informing them of the device’s risks. In the letter, Edwards LifeSciences directed customers to:
- Complete the “Acknowledgement Form” that accompanied the Recall Notification Letter.
- Check all inventory for affected models of the Certitude Delivery System.
- Return the “Acknowledgement Form” and all affected models of the Certitude Delivery System to Edwards LifeSciences as indicated in the Recall Notification Letter.
![An illustration showing the Edwards Lifesciences Sapien M3 transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) system's valve being placed in the heart. [Image courtesy of Edwards Lifesciences]](https://www.medicaldesignandoutsourcing.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Edwards-Lifesciences-Sapien-M3-TMVR-valve-delivery-268x170.jpg)
