Verathon, a medical device manufacturer based in Bothell, Washington, announced a recall of its video laryngoscope blade technology under the GlideScope brand. According to information from the company, GlideScope GVL video laryngoscope blades are susceptible to stress fractures and cracks that can leave small pieces of the device in a patient’s mouth. These small pieces can be a significant choking hazard for patients.

The GlideScope GVL video laryngoscope is designed to provide a real-time, clear view of an individual’s airway. This simplifies intubation for a doctor or other healthcare provider.

To date, there have been no injury reports associated with the company’s GlideScope products. However, components found in the device may be prone to stress cracks that aren’t visible during routine inspection. The GlideScope GVL device includes anti-fogging mechanisms, a high-resolution camera, proprietary blade angulation and a color monitor.

According to a notice by the FDA, “[Stress cracking] may eventually cause the blade tip to break and the product to fail.” The notice continued, "The firm voluntarily recalled the products after learning about design characteristics leading to cracked and broken blades."

The recall impacts three lots of the company’s GlideScope devices manufactured from December of 2010 to August of 2011. In a notice from the company, Verathon announced that it would repair or replace all impacted Glidescope GVL systems.

References

www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm330305.htm