Medtronic
(NYSE: MDT)
issued a notification to warn of stolen, defective McGrath Mac video laryngoscopes offered for sale by unauthorized third parties.
The company informed the public of the illegal offering of the devices by third parties through various social media platforms. Affected products failed to pass Medtronic’s rigorous tests established for the product. The company did not release them for sale, distribution or importation.
Medtronic said it designated such devices for destruction. People should not use the defective McGrath Mac video laryngoscopes. The device facilitates the intubation of the trachea and using a defective device could result in patient harm. That includes failed laryngoscopy and/or intubation, potentially resulting in respiratory failure (including hypercarbia).
Other potential adverse effects include hypoxia, hypercapnia, tissue damage/trauma and/or a delay to treatment.
The company’s notice lists the products and serial numbers affected in this warning (see here). Any devices without a serial number marked on the device are also affected by the notice. It also said:
“Medtronic is working closely with regulatory authorities and law enforcement organizations to help ensure that unauthorized advertisements are being removed as identified, and actions to recover the stolen defective products are underway.
“Patient safety remains at the core of the Medtronic Mission to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life. Medtronic urges healthcare professionals to purchase products only from trusted and reliable sources, such as directly from Medtronic or its authorized distributors. “