The Recall Desk
SevereFDA (Devices)·Z-2488-2015·Announced 2015-09-09

Synthes Recalls VEPTR Inferior Cradles Due to Mechanical Failure Risk

Synthes (USA) Products LLC is recalling VEPTR Inferior Cradles because a partially formed hole may cause mechanical failure, potentially requiring surgery.

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 a structural defect in a medical device that may result in mechanical failure, requiring surgery and potentially causing soft tissue or visceral injury, which aligns with the 'Severe' criteria for significant injury reports or structural defects.

Plain-English summary

Synthes (USA) Products LLC is recalling 3,262 units of VEPTR Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib inferior cradles, also known as caudal rib supports. These devices are used to mechanically stabilize or correct thoracic deformities to allow chest and lung growth. The recall covers specific part numbers and lot numbers distributed worldwide, including the United States, Canada, and Germany.

The recall is issued because the last hole on certain inferior cradles may be partially formed. Fully lengthening the construct to this partially formed hole may result in mechanical failure due to rib sleeve breakage. This failure may require surgery to exchange components and could result in pain, loss of deformity correction, and/or soft tissue or visceral injury.

Healthcare providers and patients should contact Synthes (USA) Products LLC for instructions on how to manage the affected devices. The source text does not specify a particular action for consumers to take other than the potential need for surgical intervention if the device fails.

The recalled product

Product
VEPTR Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib, inferior cradles also known as caudal rib supports. The VEPTR/VEPTR II devices mechanically stabilize and/or correct thoracic deformities to allow the chest and lungs to grow.
Affected units
3,262

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.