Recall of Device Recall Altaire MRI System

According to U.S. Food and Drug Administration, this recall involved a device in United States that was produced by Hitachi Medical Systems America 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
    47252
  • Event Risk Class
    Class 2
  • Event Number
    Z-1542-2008
  • Event Initiated Date
    2008-02-11
  • Event Date Posted
    2008-08-23
  • Event Status
    Terminated
  • Event Country
  • Event Terminated Date
    2010-09-24
  • Event Source
    USFDA
  • Event Source URL
  • Notes / Alerts
    U.S. data is current through June 2018. All of the data comes from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, except for the category Manufacturer Parent Company.
    The Parent Company was added by ICIJ.
    The parent company information is based on 2017 public records.
  • Extra notes in the data
    System, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging - Product Code LNH
  • Reason
    The firm's altaire mr scanner's emergency rundown switch unit (erdu), that is used to shut down the device in an emergency, was found to be defective. an erdu failure could delay or prevent patient access leading to possible patient death or serious injury.
  • Action
    The firm issue a DEVICE CORRECTION letter to their customers on 2/11/2008. The letter informs the customers of the Emergency Rundown Switch Unit (ERDU) defect and provides a warning which lists instructions for the safe use of the ERDU Unit. The letter informs the customer(s) that their local Hitachi Field Service Engineer (FSE) will be scheduling a visit to test the ERDU in order to verify its state of operation. The letter also states that This test requires specific tools in order to verify the operation without actually quenching the magnet and that Hitachi will begin the test ING in March, 2008 and will continue the program until all installed ERDU units are verified. Should an emergency arise requiring you to activate the ERDU, verify the Emergency Run Down light illuminates and that the magnet does quench (a very loud noise will be audible) before entering the scan room without screening personnel and equipment. Notify the Hitachi Customer Service Department at (800) 800-4925 immediately should you initiate an Emergency Run Down.

Device

  • Model / Serial
    Units were distributed nationwide from 05/23/2001 to 12/07/2007. If you have questions concerning this action, contact Douglas J. Thistlethwaite at (800) 800-3106 x3720.
  • Product Classification
  • Device Class
    2
  • Implanted device?
    No
  • Distribution
    The recalled device units were distributed to customers located in the following states nationwide: CA, OH, IL, NJ, NY, FL, TX, NE, AR, MD, OR, MN, NV, MS, OK, IN, TN, MO, SC, VA, HI, LA, NC, NM, WY, WA, AL, PA, UT, WA, and KY
  • Product Description
    Altaire MRI System Emergency Rundown Switch Unit (ERDU) is intended to provide the physician with physiological and clinical information obtained non-invasive and without the use of ionizing radiation.
  • Manufacturer

Manufacturer

  • Manufacturer Address
    Hitachi Medical Systems America Inc, 1959 Summit Commerce Park, Twinsburg OH 44087-2371
  • Manufacturer Parent Company (2017)
  • Source
    USFDA