In a notification letter sent on June 3, 2021, Medtronic stated that the company was halting sales and distribution of the HVAD System and cautioned doctors to "immediately stop new implants." However, Medtronic's safety communication went on to say that "prophylactic explant" of the system―in other words, taking out the implant preemptively, in the absence of noted problems or other risk factors "is not recommended at this time." That's because, "in general, the risks associated with explant will outweigh the potential benefits," according to the FDA communication.