Medtronic SynchroMed implantable drug pump Refill Kits (Model No: 8551, 8555, 8561, 8562, 8564, 8565, 8566 The Model 8551, 8555, 8561, 8562, 8564, 8565, and 8566 Refill Kits are intended for use in refilling Medtronic implantable infusion pumps with the exception of Medtronic MiniMed infusion pumps

This letter provides important reminders concerning the potential for a pocket fill during a SynchroMed II or SynchroMed EL implantable drug pump refill procedure, and important patient management recommendations that will be added to our product labeling. A pocket fill is the inadvertent injection of all or some of the prescribed drug into the patients subcutaneous tissue, which includes the pum

The firm, Medtronic, sent an "Urgent Medical Device Correction Cover " letter dated January 2011 to all customers. Enclosed with each letter, an "Urgent Medical Device Correction Important Clinical Information about Pocket Fills" letter dated January 2011 as well as a Clinician Refill Reference Card, Refill Appointment Cards, Physician Reply Card and a Self Addressed Stamped Envelope. The letter described the product, problem and actions to be taken by the customers. The customers were instructed to always check the needle placement within the pump septum throughout the procedure to help perform a successful refill; be aware that the pump refill difficulty may increase due to a variety of factors (listed); monitor the patient closely for signs and symptoms of overdose according to the provided instructions. Note: Medtronic is in the process of supplementing the labeling related to improper injection with the information included in this communication. Patients with questions are encouraged to talk with their physician or contact Medtronic Patient Services at 1-800-510-6735, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CDT. Physicians with medical questions related to this issue or Medtronic therapies should contact Medtronic at 1-800-328-0810, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CDT. UPDATE - June 2013 - Medtronic Field Representative began notifying Healthcare Professionals June 3,2013,via visit to deliver and discuss the Pump Refill Procedure Safety Update letter. The letter informs clinicians that SynchroMed Implantable Infusion System labeling and the Clinician Refill Reference Card have been updated. The labeling and reference card were updated to provide important reminders concerning the potential for a pocket fill during a SynchroMed II or SynchroMed EL implantable drug pump refill procedure. The Medtronic Rep will complete a Physician Notification Confirmation form documenting the delivery of the information. A copy of the recall notification letter a