"Dozens of patients were put at risk after two of the UK's leading transplant centres continued fittinga heart device - despite knowing of concerns it had a higher mortality rate than its rival product. Concerns were raised by the NHS about the device in 2018. Of the patients who were subsequently fitted with the mechanical pump, half went on to die within three years. The mother of Greg Marshall - one of the patients who received the device after concerns were known and who subsequently died - told us she was "disgusted and appalled"."
"The BBC has also learned that leading cardiologists at both hospitals were paid consultants for the device's manufacturer. The hospitals were aware of this. Both hospitals - the Freeman in Newcastle and Harefield in London - continued to use the pump for years, and questioned the reliability of the data flagged by the NHS. The pump's manufacturer, Medtronic, eventuallywithdrew it on safetygrounds."
NHS Blood and Transplant raised concerns in 2018 after audits showed worse outcomes for one mechanical heart pump. LVADs support circulation for patients with weakened hearts and can be lifesaving while awaiting transplant or when transplant is unsuitable. Despite audit findings that half of patients fitted with the implicated pump died within three years, two major centres continued using the device and questioned the NHS data. Leading cardiologists at both centres acted as paid consultants for the device manufacturer, with hospital awareness. The manufacturer, Medtronic, ultimately withdrew the pump on safety grounds. A bereaved relative said she was "disgusted and appalled".
Read at www.bbc.com
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