The Recall Desk
HighFDA (Devices)·Z-2322-2021·Announced 2021-08-25

RUSCH Endotracheal Tube Cuff Inflation Malfunction Without Pilot Balloon Indication

Teleflex recalls RUSCH endotracheal tubes because the cuff can be inflated while the pilot balloon remains flat, preventing proper monitoring of cuff pressure.

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: This Class II medical device malfunction presents a risk of harm in critical care settings, specifically the inability to properly monitor cuff pressure during endotracheal tube use. No injuries or hospitalizations have been reported in the source text, consistent with a High severity rating for risk-of-harm products where injury has not yet been documented.

Plain-English summary

Teleflex Medical Europe Ltd is recalling RUSCH Endotracheal Tubes with High Volume, Low Pressure Cuffs and Murphy Eyes in multiple sizes. The recall affects 638,220 units distributed nationwide in the United States across ten different reference numbers (REF 112082050 through 112082100).

The firm received reports that these endotracheal tubes have a defect in which the cuff can be inflated while the pilot balloon—the visual indicator of cuff pressure—remains flat. This malfunction prevents proper assessment of cuff inflation status during use.

Healthcare facilities and clinicians using affected lots should immediately cease use of the recalled tubes and verify inventory against the specific lot numbers listed in the recall. Patients already intubated with affected tubes should have them replaced if the malfunction is identified. Contact Teleflex for device returns and replacement instructions.

The recalled product

Product
RUSCH Endotracheal Tube oral/nasal Murphy Eye, High Volume, Low Pressure Cuff, REF numbers: a) 112082050 b) 112082055 c) 112082060 d) 112082065 e) 112082070 f) 112082075 g) 112082080 h) 112082085 i) 112082090 j) 112082095 k) 112082100
Manufacturer
Teleflex Medical Europe Ltd
Hazard
  • cuff-malfunction
  • pilot-balloon-defect

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)

  • a) 112082050
  • Lot Numbers: KME20K0211
  • KME20K0463
  • KME21A2017
  • KME21A2343
  • KME21A2686
  • KME21B2491 b) 112082055
  • Lot Numbers: KME20K0464
  • KME20K0683
  • KME20L1703
  • KME20M0996
  • KME21A0492
  • KME21A1433
  • KME21C0502
  • KME21C1347
  • KME21C1496
  • KME21C2745
  • KME21D0835 c) 112082060
  • Lot Numbers: KME20K0435
  • KME20K1112

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.