An automated external defibrillator (AED) [Photo by James Rein]
The FDA has added automated external defibrillators (AEDs), chest drains/suction canisters and autotransfusion systems to its list of medical devices in short supply.AEDs — including wearable and nonwearable versions of the devices — are expected to be in limited supply for at least the rest of 2022, the FDA said. The agency cited both an increase in demand for AEDs and the global shortage of semiconductors used in the devices.
“The FDA continues to work with federal partners and other stakeholders to help mitigate challenges associated with semiconductor shortages,” the FDA said in yesterday’s update to the device shortage list. “In addition, the FDA has issued guidance documents, including enforcement policies, regarding circumstances where manufacturers may consider modifying their devices because of supply chain …