The Recall Desk
HighFDA (Devices)·Z-1059-2019·Announced 2019-04-03

Fenwal CATSmart Vacuum Unit Recalled for Potential Failure During Use

Fenwal Inc is recalling 198 Vacuum Units for the CATSmart system because they may stop working and display a failure message during use.

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 is classified as FDA Class II, and the hazard involves a medical device failure during a procedure where injury has not yet been reported, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for risk-of-harm products.

Plain-English summary

Fenwal Inc is recalling 198 Vacuum Units for the CATSmart Vacuum Pump. The CATSmart (Continuous Autotransfusion System) is indicated for the processing of blood collected intraoperatively and postoperatively to obtain washed packed red blood cells for reinfusion.

The recall is due to a defect where the optional Vacuum Unit may stop working and display the failure message "Failure vacuum unit" during use. The affected units were distributed nationwide to 24 states and Puerto Rico, as well as internationally to Canada.

Healthcare facilities and users should check their inventory for the specific serial numbers listed in the recall notice. If a unit is affected, it should be removed from service and returned to Fenwal Inc for evaluation or replacement.

The recalled product

Product
Vacuum Unit for CATSmart Vacuum Pump. Fresenius CATSmart (Continuous Autotransfusion System) is indicated for the processing of blood collected intraoperatively and postoperatively to obtain washed packed red blood cells for reinfusion.
Manufacturer
Fenwal Inc
Affected units
198

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 (20)

  • Material Number 9005851
  • Serial Numbers: 5VTA0180
  • 5VTA0183
  • 5VTA0194
  • 5VTA0195
  • 5VTA0196
  • 5VTA0197
  • 5VTA0198
  • 5VTA0199
  • 5VTA0200
  • 5VTA0201
  • 5VTA0202
  • 5VTA0203
  • 5VTA0204
  • 5VTA0205
  • 5VTA0206
  • 5VTA0234
  • 5VTA0235
  • 5VTA0236
  • 5VTA0237

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

The notice also names 24 states specifically: