Medtronic plc is ceasing global sales and distribution of its Heartware ventricular assist device (HVAD) due to safety concerns. The news sent Medtronic shares down about 1% in early morning trading. The Dublin-based company said it made the decision to stop selling the HVAD left ventricular assist device after clinical comparisons found a higher frequency of neurological adverse events, including stroke and mortality, with its heart pump device vs. other circulatory support systems.