The Recall Desk
Agency classClass IIOur severity:SevereFDA (Devices)·Z-1171-2020·Announced 2020-02-19

Arrow International Recalls FlexTip Plus Epidural Catheterization Sets

Arrow International is recalling FlexTip Plus Epidural Catheterization Sets because the included syringes may fail, potentially causing dural puncture.

The agency’s classification

FDA (Devices): Class II

Class II is a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.

This is the agency’s own classification, taken from its notice. The severity score below is our assessment, not the agency’s. How recall classes work

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall is classified as FDA Class II and involves a medical device defect that can lead to dural puncture and the need for a blood patch, which constitutes a significant injury risk.

Plain-English summary

Arrow International Inc is recalling 343,105 units of the FlexTip Plus Epidural Catheterization Set, Product Code AA-05400-E. The recall involves specific lots distributed to 37 US states, including AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, and WY.

The recall is due to the potential for various failures with the loss of resistance (LOR) syringes included in the kits. These failures may result in dural puncture, with some instances requiring a blood patch.

Healthcare providers and consumers should stop using the affected products and contact Arrow International Inc for further instructions.

The recalled product

Product
FlexTip Plus Epidural Catheterization Set, Product Code AA-05400-E
Affected units
343,105

Distribution

Part of a larger recall action

This product is one of 49 recalled by Arrow International Inc 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 49 products in this recall →

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