The Recall Desk
SevereFDA (Devices)·Z-0496-2013·Announced 2012-12-19

Medtronic SynchroMed EL Pumps Recalled Due to Unapproved Drug Interactions

Medtronic is recalling SynchroMed EL implantable infusion pumps because using unapproved drugs can cause the pump to stop working, halting drug delivery.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves an implanted medical device where a failure (motor stall) results in the cessation of drug infusion, which constitutes a significant injury risk or serious health consequence, aligning with the 'Severe' criteria for significant injury reports or high-risk device failures.

Plain-English summary

Medtronic Neuromodulation is recalling 174,700 SynchroMed EL implantable infusion pumps, including models 8626-10, 8626L-10, 8626-18, 8626L-18, 8627-10, 8627L-10, 8627-18, and 8627L-18. These devices are part of an implanted infusion system used for the chronic infusion of drugs or fluids. The pumps were distributed worldwide, including in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The recall was initiated because the use of unapproved drugs with SynchroMed pumps can result in an increased risk of permanent motor stall and cessation of drug infusion. Medtronic notified healthcare professionals regarding the impact of these unapproved drugs on the performance of the pump system.

In an update dated February 1, 2016, Medtronic received approval to incorporate enhancements to the SynchroMed II pump that decrease the potential for internal electrical shorting and motor corrosion. The company is retrieving any unused pumps.

The recalled product

Product
SynchroMed EL, models 8626-10, 8626L-10, 8626-18, 8626L-18, 8627-10, 8627L-10, 8627-18, 8627L-18. implantable infusion pump. The pump is part of an implanted infusion system that consists of a SynchroMed EL pump and a catheter. The SynchroMed EL Infusion System is indicated fo
Affected units
174,700

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 (1)

  • All SynchroMed EL and SynchroMed II pumps

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Part of a larger recall action

This product is one of 2 recalled by Medtronic Neuromodulation under a single FDA (Devices) recall action. The agency files each product separately, so the size of the action is not visible from this page alone.

See all 2 products in this recall →