Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Pediatric Arterial Cannulae recalled for complications that could lead to aortic damage, blood loss and/or death

Terumo Cardiovascular Systems (Terumo CVS) has issued an urgent worldwide recall of its Tenderflow™ Pediatric Arterial Cannulae, a defective medical device, involving 21 lot codes (see information below). Terumo received five reports of difficulty retracting the introducer from the cannula. When the introducer cannot be retracted from the cannula, the cannula must be removed and replaced, a process that may lead to aortic damage, blood loss and/or death.

Tenderflow™ Pediatric Arterial Cannula Catalog and Lot Numbers Affected

Catalog Number

Lot Number

813568

0501639, 0512002

813567

0501557, 0512008

813570

0502200, 0513069

813569

0502199, 0513068, 0517852

813572

0507121, 0512918

813571

0507120, 0512919, 0518680

813574

0509240

813573

0509238, 0517874

813576

0509241

813575

0500759, 0513331

813578

0500760

813577

0502878

When and how is the device used?

An arterial cannula is a disposable tube inserted in the aorta during many cardiac bypass surgery procedures and is used to perfuse the ascending aorta. The cannula is inserted using an introducer, which stabilizes the cannula during insertion and is then removed.

Where was the defective device distributed?

Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation is a global manufacturer and marketer of medical devices for cardiac and vascular surgery. Terumo CVS distributed this product directly to 68 U.S. hospitals, and has notified all of the hospitals of the voluntary recall in a letter dated Oct. 16, 2008. The product was also distributed from distribution centers in Australia, Canada and Europe.

Terumo recalls the defective medical device

Terumo informed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of this recall. The notification letter recommended that customers not use the product unless it is medically necessary.

Injured by the Terumo Arterial Cannula?

If you or a loved one have been injured by this dangerous medical device, you may be entitled to compensation from those responsible. Medical device manufacturers have an obligation to manufacture and distribute safe products. When they fail to do this, a medical injury lawyer can hold them accountable. If you have questions, contact a medical injury lawyer today for a free initial consultation. We can help you understand your options for claiming compensation.