MRL/Welch Allyn AED20 Defibrillators Recalled
June 20, 2006 by Lei
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
As I’ve mentioned before, emergency defibrillators aren’t always the most reliable. The FDA has announced the recall of the MRL/Welch Allyn AED20 automatic external defibrillators – units with serial numbers 205199 through 205786. There is apparently a faulty electrical connection in the device; complaints have been received on about 2% of the almost 600 defibrillators sold.
The AED20 may display a “Defib Comm” error message on the device display during use resulting in a failure of the device to analyze the patient’s ECG and deliver the appropriate therapy which prevents the defibrillator from resuscitating a patient. This problem occurs when an impact to the exterior of the AED20 causes a circuit board connector to perforate an insulation shield enabling an electrical short between the connector and the external housing of the AED20.
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MRL, Inc initiated notification via certified mail on May 5, 2005 to its customers who purchased AED20’s in this group of devices (296 of which were sold within the US and 301 outside of the US). The company is providing customers with a loaner AED20 at no cost while their unit is being serviced and will pay all costs associated with shipping, handling and corrective service.
MedPage Today, June 16, 2006
