Physio-Control issues recall of Lifepak 20, Lifepak 20e

Physio-Control, a subsidiary of Medtronic, has issued a class 1 recall of Lifepak 20 and Lifepak 20e external defibrillator and monitors due to power supply failure.

The Redmond, Wash.-based company said a failure on the power supply assembly can result in either "No DC power" or "No DC or AC power." A failure of DC (battery) power can result in the inability to deliver defibrillation therapy if the device will not turn on using DC power and no AC (line) power is available.

The Lifepak 20 and Lifepak 20e defibrillator/monitor is designed for use by trained medical personnel in hospitals and clinic settings to monitor patient heart rhythms and to treat patients experiencing cardiac arrest.

Approximately 42,943 devices were distributed globally between Sept. 16, 2002, and Sept. 27, 2007, according to Physio-Control. These devices were manufactured from July 31, 2002, to Sept. 19, 2007.

The company said all affected power supplies will be updated, advising its customers to keep the defibrillators in service and follow recommended daily Operator Checklist steps while service updates are scheduled.

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