The Recall Desk
CriticalFDA (Devices)·Z-1499-2020·Announced 2020-03-25

Philips Recalls HeartStart MRx Defibrillators Due to Internal Damage Risk

Philips is recalling HeartStart MRx Monitor/Defibrillators because internal damage from drops or shocks may prevent therapy delivery, even if the device appears undamaged.

What this means for you

Highest-severity recall. Risk of serious injury or death is documented or strongly suspected. Stop using the product now and follow the agency's instructions.

Our severity reasoning: The source text explicitly states that one report involved the death of a patient, which meets the rubric criterion for a Critical (5) severity score.

Plain-English summary

Philips North America, LLC is recalling HeartStart MRx Monitor/Defibrillators with specific model numbers (M3535A, M3536A, M3536M, M3536MC, M3536M2, M3536M3, M3536M4, M3536M5, M3536M6, M3536M7, M3536M8, and M3536M9). The recall involves 97,788 units distributed domestically in the United States and internationally.

The recall was initiated after Philips received reports that the devices suffered internal damage and were unable to deliver therapy after being dropped or subjected to severe mechanical shock. In these instances, the devices did not show visible external damage, and the Ready for Use (RFU) indicator did not immediately indicate a problem. One of the reports involved the death of a patient who could not be resuscitated.

All units are affected by this recall. Users should contact Philips for instructions on how to proceed with the recall.

The recalled product

Product
HeartStart MRx Monitor/Defibrillators with model numbers M3535A M3536A, M3536M, M3536MC, M3536M2, M3536M3, M3536M4, M3536M5, M3536M6, M3536M7, M3536M8, and M3536M9.
Affected units
97,788

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 units are affected by this recall

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.