The FDA now expects shortages of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to persist longer than previously estimated, but removed four other product types from its list of medical device shortages.
The agency also added to its list of discontinued devices, including plans by Abbott to stop manufacturing its HeartMate II Left Ventricular Assist System (LVAS) in 2026.
AED shortage updateThe FDA said shortages of wearable and non-wearable AEDs (product codes MVK and MKJ, respectively) will likely last through summer 2024. The federal agency updated its forecast last month after saying as recently as October that the shortage would last through 2023.
The FDA said the shortages are due to an increase in demand for the devices as well as a shortage or discontinuance of a component, part or accessory. Those devices have been on the shortage list since July 2022 as the agency required manufacturers to file for premarket approval (PMA) for previously cleared ac…