Recall StatusTerminated
Date Initiated2011-08-12
Date Terminated2012-08-20
Product Quantity340 units
Reason for Recall
The devices are being recalled because the output current delivered to the vagus nerve is less than the design intent and there is a potential charge imbalance at the lead cathode and generator-can during stimulation.
Firm Action
Cyberonics sent a Field Safety Alert on August 15, 2011, to all affected customers. The letter identified the product, the problem, and the action to be taken by the customer. The firm decided to recall and initiated contact with implanting facilities in the United States on 08/15/2011. A Field Safety Alert was delivered on 09/19/2011 to implanting facilities. Customers were instructed not to prescribe AspireHC pulse generators for implant until Cyberonics resumes shipment of AspireHC pulse generators that have the issue remedied.
Cyberonics recommends that physicians continue their current practice of titrating programming parameters for patients implanted with an AspireHC pulse generator to achieve appropriate clinical outcomes, paying particular attention to report of:
Lack or loss of efficacy
Pain, inflammation, swelling/edema in the neck area; and/or
Patient perception of stimulation or muscle twitching in the area surrounding the implant.
Cyberonics recommended routine systems diagnostic testing to aid in device and patient monitoring.
Physicians may contact Clinical Technical Support at 866-882-8804 or via email at
[email protected].
For questions regarding this recall call 281-228-7323.
Root Cause
Nonconforming Material/Component
Distribution Pattern
Worldwide Distribution - USA including TN, TX, IL, OH, FL, CA, CO, OR, AZ, NY, PA, MO, NJ, WI, OK, MI, ID, KY, IA, MA, NE, GA, LA, NY, and Norway.
Official Source
View FDA Recall →Source: FDA Enforcement Report / Recall database. Always confirm against the official FDA record.