12-lead ECG Cable Assembly contains the following cable and attachments: Main Cable with Limb Leads: The main cable includes the proximal connector which attaches to the monitor and four incorporated limb lead wires that terminate with ECG electrode snaps. All signals travel through this cable for cardiac monitoring and for 12-lead ECGs. Precordial Lead Attachment: The precordial lead attachment includes the precordial connector which attaches to the main cable with six precordial leads (also terminated with ECG electrode snaps). This attachment is used when a 12-lead ECG is needed. The main cable includes a cover over the connector for the precordial lead attachment to protect it from contaminants if the precordial lead attachment is not connected. This 12-lead ECG Cable Assembly is designed for use in the Pre-hospital and hospital environment. The 12-lead ECG cables are currently available for the LIFEPAK 12 Defibrillator/Monitor and LIFEPAK 15 Monitor/Defibrillator. The 12-lead electrocardiogram is used to identify, diagnose and treat patients with cardiac disorders and is useful in the early detection and prompt treatment of patients with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Documentation of transient or intermittent arrhythmias and other electrophysiologic events that occur in the prehospital setting can assist in diagnosis and treatment decisions in the Emergency Department.

The 12-lead ECG cables have experienced premature failures which cause the shielding and conductors to break internally creating ECG noise or "lead off" indications.

Physio-Control, Inc. sent an "URGENT-MEDICAL DEVICE ACCESSORY INFORMATION" letter dated May 2011 to all affected customers. The letter describes the product, problem, and actions to be taken by the customers. The customers were advised to follow the instructions: -Use standard hard paddles or therapy electrodes for ECG monitoring if monitoring cannot be performed using the ECG cable. Refer to Troubleshooting Tips for ECG Monitoring in the LIFEPAK 12 or LIFEPAK 15 Operating Instructions-Monitoring chapter. -Disconnect the ECG cable from the monitor after use and coil it loosely for storage. Please refer to the Storage Instructions for 12-lead ECG Cable. -Inspect cables daily for bulges which may indicate damaged internal wires. If bulges are visible, replace the ECG cable. -Perform periodic 6 month function testing: Refer to Maintenance and Testing Schedule in the LIFEPAK 12 or LIFEPAK 15 Operating Instructions- Maintaining the Equipment chapters for instructions on how to perform a patient ECG cable function check to confirm proper operation of the cable. Customers can visit Physio-Control's website at www.physio-control-notices.com/12LeadECG for additional information or to download copies of current LIFEPAK 12 defibrillator/monitor or LIFEPAK 15 monitor/defibrillator Operating Instructions and Operator's checklists. Customers can also call Physio-Control's Technical Support Team at 1-800-442-1142, option 5, from 6:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. (Pacific), Monday-Friday.