Philips Healthcare recalls 5,400 defibrillators
As reported in the San Francisco Chronicle, Philips Healthcare said Saturday it is recalling about 5,400 automated external defibrillators after receiving reports of a memory chip failure in a small number of some models that could make them inoperable. The defibrillators are used by emergency responders to help treat sudden cardiac arrest, and the company said it is contacting customers to arrange for the devices to be replaced.
The Seatle-based company said it has received no reports of injury associated with the chip failure. Philips said only certain HeartStart FR2+ defibrillators are included in the voluntary recall. Those included are models M3860A and M3861A distributed by Philips and models M3840A and M3841A distributed by Laerdal Medical manufactured between May 2007 and January 2008. The devices automatically analyze the heart rhythm and determines whether a defibrillation shock is needed. If a shockable rhythm is detected, the device instructs the responder to deliver defibrillation therapy.
The reported memory chip failures were detected during routine self tests, not during emergency use of the device, Philips said.
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