Vital Signs Devices, a GE Healthcare Company, has initiated a voluntary field corrective action of the disposable Multi Absorber Original after becoming aware of a potential safety issue due to air leakage associated with the CO2 Multi Absorber.
The Multi Absorber Original may have a thin wall condition which may lead to small holes in the water (drain tube). This may result in a loss of anesthetic gases, ventilation and oxygenation.
The voluntary corrective action was issued after receiving customer complaints and product returns; upon further inspection the returned absorbers were found to leak due to a hole in the drain tube. The affected product number is M1173310 containing lot numbers 12001 through 13031. Not affected are products with lot numbers 13032 and higher.
Vital Signs has notified all customers with affected units through an Urgent Medical Device Correction letter, which alerts users of the concern and safety instructions. Vital Signs is also following up with all customers and will replace all affected units at no cost to customers. You can access the original customer letter by visiting here. To date, no patient injuries have been reported with regards to this issue.