Events

Recall of Recharger

According to U.S. Food and Drug Administration, this recall involved a device in United States that was produced by Medtronic Neuromodulation.

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
    75458
  • Event Risk Class
    Class 2
  • Event Number
    Z-0700-2017
  • Event Initiated Date
    2016-10-03
  • Event Status
    Open, Classified
  • Event Country
    United States
  • Event Source
    USFDA
  • Event Source URL
    https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfres/res.cfm?id=150430
  • 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
    Stimulator, electrical, implanted, for parkinsonian tremor - Product Code MHY
  • Reason
    Medtronic has identified an increased number of complaints from customers involving reports of rechargers (medtronic model 37751 recharger, which is included in models 37754 and 97754 charging systems,spinal cord stimulation)that are in an unresponsive error state, where the recharger is non-functional with a blank display screen and is beeping every 5 seconds. medtronic has determined all rechargers manufactured starting in november 2014 (indicated by serial numbers beginning with nka4 or nku4) are more susceptible to this error state.
  • Action
    Consignees were sent a series of documents which included an introductory Medtronic and "Urgent Medical Device Correction" letters dated September 2016. The urgent letters included one for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and one for Spinal Cord Stimulation(SCS) . Each letter was addressed to Healthcare Professional. Only physicians associated with both SCS and DBS therapy received the cover letter. The letters provided information on "Background, Issues Mitigation, Recommendation, Additional Information and Patient Notification (DBS). Requested consignees to complete and return the Physician /HCP Reply Form. For questions contact Medtronic Technical Services at 1-800-707-0933 weekdays 7 am to 6pm, CT.

Device

Recharger
  • Model / Serial
    serial numbers beginning with NKA4 or NKU4
  • Product Classification
    Neurological Devices
  • Device Class
    3
  • Implanted device?
    Yes
  • Distribution
    Worldwide Distribution - US Nationwide including DC OUS: Canada and others.
  • Product Description
    Model 37751 Recharger || Product Usage: || The Medtronic 37751 Recharger is a hand-held device used to charge the battery in a patient s neurostimulator. It includes a display to provide information on the charging system. The charging system consists of the Model 37751 Recharger, an AC power supply and power cord (Model 37761) and an antenna.
  • Manufacturer
    Medtronic Neuromodulation

Manufacturer

Medtronic Neuromodulation
  • Manufacturer Address
    Medtronic Neuromodulation, 7000 Central Ave, Minneapolis MN 55421-1241
  • Manufacturer Parent Company (2017)
    Medtronic plc
  • 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
    USFDA