The Recall Desk
HighFDA (Devices)·Z-0478-2013·Announced 2012-12-19

Verathon Recalls GlideScope Video Laryngoscopes Due to Blade Cracking

Verathon is recalling GlideScope GVL3, GVL4, and GVL5 video laryngoscopes because their reusable blades may crack.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a medical device with a structural defect (cracking blades) that poses a risk of harm during medical procedures, but the source text does not report any injuries or illnesses, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for risk-of-harm products where injury has not yet been reported.

Plain-English summary

Verathon, Inc. is recalling the GlideScope Video Laryngoscope (GVL) models GVL3, GVL4, and GVL5. The recall involves a total of 2,710 units distributed worldwide, including the United States and various international markets. The affected devices are intended for use by qualified medical professionals to obtain a clear view of the vocal cords during medical procedures.

The recall was initiated due to a potential defect where the re-usable video laryngoscope blades may crack. The source text does not report any specific injuries, illnesses, or deaths associated with this defect.

Healthcare facilities and users should identify affected units by checking the serial number ranges provided in the official recall notice. Users should stop using the affected devices and contact Verathon, Inc. for instructions on how to proceed.

The recalled product

Product
The GlideScope Video Laryngoscope (GVL) is a video laryngoscope that incorporates a high-resolution color camera, an LED light source, a rechargeable lithium battery, and video output to a remote monitor. It consists of a video laryngoscope and a portable video monitor. The af
Manufacturer
Verathon, Inc.
Category
Medical Device — Surgical / Anesthesia Equipment
Hazard
Affected units
2,710

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Lot numbers (3)

  • Serial numbers range for GVL3: 0574-0007/ MD105000 to MD112387
  • Serial numbers range for GVL4: 0574-0001/ LG105000 to LG112758
  • Serial numbers range for GVL5: 0574-0030/ XL105000 to XL111798.

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

The notice also names 46 states specifically:

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