The Recall Desk
HighFDA (Devices)·Z-2610-2014·Announced 2014-09-17

Ethicon Recalls PROXIMATE Skin Staplers Due to Unformed Staple Risk

Ethicon Endo-Surgery Inc is recalling PROXIMATE skin staplers because a non-conforming component may cause the device to fire an unformed staple.

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 risk of harm (firing an unformed staple) where no specific injuries or illnesses have been reported in the source text.

Plain-English summary

Ethicon Endo-Surgery Inc is recalling specific models of PROXIMATE skin staplers, including the PROXIMATE RH Rotating-Head Skin Stapler (Model PRR35), PROXIMATE PX Fixed-Head Skin Stapler (Model PXR35), and their bulk/non-sterile counterparts (Models CK 117 and CK 158). The recall involves 42,798 units distributed worldwide, including nationwide distribution in the United States and in various countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

The recall is being conducted because the devices may contain a non-conforming component that could cause the device to fire an unformed staple. These skin staplers are designed for single-patient use to apply rectangular stainless steel staples for routine wound closure.

Healthcare facilities and distributors should check their inventory for the specific batch numbers listed in the recall notice. If the affected devices are found, they should be removed from use and returned to Ethicon Endo-Surgery Inc according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

The recalled product

Product
PROXIMATE Skin Stapler. PROXIMATE RH Rotating-Head Skin Stapler (Model PRR35), PROXIMATE PX Fixed-Head Skin Stapler (Model PXR35), Bulk/Non-Sterile PROXIMATE RH Rotating-Head Skin Stapler (Model CK 117), and Bulk/Non-Sterile PROXIMATE PX Fixed-Head Skin Stapler (Model CK 158
Affected units
42,798

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

The notice also names 45 states specifically: