Recall of Medtronic Navigation Cannulated Taps

According to New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority, this recall involved a device in New Zealand that was produced by Medtronic Navigation Inc.

What is this?

A correction or removal action taken by a manufacturer to address a problem with a medical device. Recalls occur when a medical device is defective, when it could be a risk to health, or when it is both defective and a risk to health.

Learn more about the data here
  • Type of Event
    Recall
  • Event ID
    18608
  • Event Initiated Date
    2015-06-02
  • Event Country
  • Event Source
    NZMMDSA
  • Event Source URL
  • Notes / Alerts
    Data from New Zealand is current through July 2018. All of the data comes from the New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority, 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 recall data from the U.S. and New Zealand.
  • Extra notes in the data
    Recalling Organisation: Medtronic New Zealand Limited, Unit 16 Mezzanine Level, 5 Gloucester Park Road, Onehunga, AUCKLAND
  • Reason
    Cannulated taps are used during spinal procedures. when cannulated taps are used in procedures without guidewires (k-wires) the cannula may become occluded. if the occlusion is not removed at point of use and is allowed to dry and harden, attempts to remove the occlusion may become more challenging. the updated ifu now states that if there is an obstruction in the cannula that cannot be removed, the device should be considered at end of life and should be discarded.
  • Action
    Instructions for use to be updated

Device

Manufacturer

  • Manufacturer Parent Company (2017)
  • Manufacturer comment
    “If our surveillance systems identify a potential performance issue, our personnel promptly evaluate the problem, including, when appropriate, conducting root cause investigations and internal testing to assess whether the product continues to meet specifications and defined performance criteria,” Medtronic told ICIJ in a statement. “In some cases, based on this evaluation, Medtronic may determine that a recall is necessary.” The company said that it communicates with healthcare providers and/or patients and provide recommendations to address such issues. Medtronic noted that these communications can include letters, emails, calls, press releases, physician notifications and social media postings, as well as informing the FDA and other regulators of the actions.
  • Source
    NZMMDSA