Events

Safety Alert for Emblem S-ICD Systems

According to Department of Health, this safety alert involved a device in Hong Kong that was produced by Boston Scientific.

What is this?

Alerts provide important information and recommendations about products. Even though an alert has been issued, it does not necessarily mean a product is considered to be unsafe. Safety Alerts, addressed to health workers and users, may include recalls. They can be written by manufacturers, but also by health officials.

Learn more about the data here
  • Type of Event
    Safety alert
  • Date
    2017-01-18
  • Event Date Posted
    2017-01-18
  • Event Country
    Hong Kong
  • Event Source
    DH
  • Event Source URL
    https://www.mdco.gov.hk/english/safety/recalls/recalls_20170118b.html
  • Notes / Alerts
    Hong Kong data is current through September 2018. All of the data comes from the Department of Health (Hong Kong), except for the categories Manufacturer Parent Company and Product Classification.
    The Parent Company and the Product Classification were added by ICIJ.
    The parent company information is based on 2017 public records. The device classification information comes from FDA’s Product Classification by Review Panel, based on matches of data from the U.S. and Hong Kong.
  • Extra notes in the data
    Medical Device Safety Alert
  • Reason
    Medical device safety alert: boston scientific emblem s-icd systems medical device manufacturer, boston scientific, has issued a medical device safety alert concerning its emblem subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (s-icd) systems [s-icd programmer model 3200]. according to the manufacturer, the model 3200 s-icd programmer is a non-implantable, tablet computer that communicates wirelessly (telemetry) with an implanted s-icd in order to adjust programmable settings and to collect patient data. both the programmer and the s-icd check the validity of telemetry commands using an algorithm intended to detect whether these commands have been altered. in nearly all instances, invalid commands are rejected. in rare instances, interference may go undetected and alter communications from the programmer. this can potentially result in the s-icd performing an induction, utilizing temporary parameters that impair the s-icd from detecting or treating a tachyarrhythmia during the active telemetry session, or disabling therapy in the permanent programming mode such that therapy will be unavailable after the telemetry session is ended. according to the manufacturer, the behaviour is not related to a cybersecurity vulnerability. the potential for this behavior to occur during this brief re-interrogation is extremely remote. there have been no reports of permanent injury or death associated with this behavior. the manufacturer is developing software to mitigate this behavior. until a software update is available, the manufacturer recommends the additional precautions listed in the field safety notice. according to the local supplier, the affected products are distributed in hong kong. if you are in possession of the affected products, please contact your supplier for necessary actions. posted on 18 january 2017.

Device

Emblem S-ICD Systems
  • Model / Serial
  • Product Description
    Medical Device Safety Alert: Boston Scientific Emblem S-ICD Systems
  • Manufacturer
    Boston Scientific

Manufacturer

Boston Scientific
  • Manufacturer Parent Company (2017)
    Boston Scientific
  • Manufacturer comment
    “We take a patient-first approach to assessing the applicability of every recall and communicate to regulatory bodies in all geographies where the recalled device is sold,” Boston Scientific said in a statement to ICIJ. “We have coordinated several recalls across many countries in a timely manner,” the company said, adding that it complies with all national laws, which can often vary and require different processes for reporting information or taking action on recalls. The company said it uses a rigorous and uniform process to take action on recalls and that “when we initiate a field action (e.g. recall, safety alert), every customer who has received an affected product receives a communication that includes a letter for the physician.”
  • Source
    DH