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Bridge Occlusion Balloon Catheter Model 590-001 by Spectranetics: Class I Recall - Clinical Issue

Audience: Risk Manager, Emergency Medicine, Cardiology

[Posted 09/25/2017]

ISSUE: Spectranetics is recalling its Bridge Occlusion Balloon Catheter due to the possibility of a blocked guidewire lumen in some device units. If a device with a blocked guidewire lumen were to be used during the procedure, the device would not be positioned correctly and hemorrhage would not be controlled. This would delay life-saving treatment, which may result in immediate and serious adverse health consequences, including death.

BACKGROUND: Spectranetics’ Bridge Occlusion Balloon Catheter is a device intended to temporarily block the superior vena cava (SVC) when emergency control of hemorrhage is required. The Bridge Occlusion Balloon catheter is constructed of a compliant balloon mounted on a dual lumen shaft. The guidewire lumen is used to pass the catheter over a guide wire.

RECOMMENDATION: On August 7, 2017, Spectranetics sent affected customers an “Urgent Medical Device Recall” notice informing them of the device’s risks. The notice directed physicians to confirm that the guidewire lumen is open and unblocked prior to start of the procedure, and to have back up units on hand should they be needed during the procedure.

Spectranetics also sent affected customers an updated notice on August 21, 2017 to notify them that all bridge devices have the potential for guidewire blockage. The updated notice recommended that physicians:

On September 7, 2017, Spectranetics sent affected customers an additional notification informing them that follow-up distribution of the device is limited to a 30-day period.

Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:

[09/25/2017 - Recall Notice - FDA]

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