News & Items of Interest

03/07/05
FDA MedWatch - Class 1 recall of Medtronic LIFEPAK 500 Automated External Defibrillators

   

MedWatch - The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program


Medtronic, Inc. and FDA advised healthcare professionals of a Class 1 recall of the LIFEPAK 500 automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The AED may continue to display a "connect electrodes" message and may not analyze the patient's heart rhythm even when the electrodes are properly connected. Failure to analyze the patient's heart rhythm will inhibit defibrillation, if it is needed. This action affects 1,924 first-generation LIFEPAK 500 AEDs that were manufactured in 1997, which represents approximately 1 percent of LIFEPAK 500 AEDs currently in use worldwide. This action does not affect any other LIFEPAK 500 AEDs currently produced, or any other LIFEPAK product. The company will update or upgrade customer devices at no charge by March 31, 2005. The affected AEDs may remain in service and customers are currently being contacted with recommendations for use and replacement schedules.

Read the complete MedWatch 2005 safety summary, including links to the FDA Recall notice and Firm Press Release, at


http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/SAFETY/2005/safety05.htm#LIFEPAK