FDA Recall Terminated

GE Healthcare Varicam/VG and VG Hawkeye devices Product Usage: The intended use of the Quasar system is to perform general Nuclear Medicine imaging procedures for detection of radioisotope tracer uptake in the patient body, using a variety of scanning modes supported by various acquisition typed and optional imaging features designed to enhance image quality in Oncology, Cardiology, Neurology and other clinical diagnostic imaging applications. The scanning modes include planar (Static, Multi-gated, Dynamic, Whole body scanning) and tomographic (SPECT, Gated SPECT, Whole body SPECT, Camera based PET). Acquisition types include single and multi-isotope/multi-peak frame/list mode single-photon and positron imaging. Optional imaging-enhancement features include assortment of collimators, gating by physiological signals, real-time automatic body contouring, and CT-based attenuation correction and functional anatomic mapping.

Recall: Z-1199-2014 · Initiated February 7, 2014

Recall

Recall Number
Z-1199-2014
Event Number
67464
Firm
GE Healthcare, LLC
FEI Number
2126677
Product Code
KPS
Status
Terminated
Root Cause
Device Design
Initiated
February 7, 2014
Posted
March 13, 2014
Terminated
November 3, 2014
Address
3000 N Grandview Blvd, Waukesha, WI, 53188-1615

Description

GE Healthcare Varicam/VG and VG Hawkeye devices Product Usage: The intended use of the Quasar system is to perform general Nuclear Medicine imaging procedures for detection of radioisotope tracer uptake in the patient body, using a variety of scanning modes supported by various acquisition typed and optional imaging features designed to enhance image quality in Oncology, Cardiology, Neurology and other clinical diagnostic imaging applications. The scanning modes include planar (Static, Multi-gated, Dynamic, Whole body scanning) and tomographic (SPECT, Gated SPECT, Whole body SPECT, Camera based PET). Acquisition types include single and multi-isotope/multi-peak frame/list mode single-photon and positron imaging. Optional imaging-enhancement features include assortment of collimators, gating by physiological signals, real-time automatic body contouring, and CT-based attenuation correction and functional anatomic mapping.

Reason

Potential safety issue related to unintended radial detector motion, which may occur during patient setup or at the end of a patient scan. This failure mode has been observed on a single system, in which the detector moved to the home position and then slowly starting drifting inward toward the patient. This generated both a visual and audio alert condition on both the console and the gantry. N

Action

GE sent an Urgent Medical Device Correction letter, dated 2/7/2014 to medical facilities beginning 2/7/2014. The letter was addressed to Manager of Nuclear Medicine, Hospital Administrators/Risk Managers, and Managers of Radiology/Cardiology. The letter described the issue and provided safety instructions. For Infinia and Infinia Hawkeye, Millennium VG, VG Hawkeye and VariCam nuclear Medicine Systems, the letter stated that a software upgrade would correct the issue. For the Helix Nuclear Medicine Systems, GE stated that a software upgrade can not be applied to the older systems and that additional information will be provided at a later date. UPDATE ON THE HELIX DEVICES: An Urgent Medical Device Correction letter, dated 4/7/2014 was sent to customers who still have a GE Helix Nuclear Medicine System. The letter requested to immediately stop using the device, and reiterated the March 2008 letter in which GE stated that they would no longer be able to offer full service support. The main reason for this was due to unavailability of parts required for maintenance and repair of the device because outside suppliers cease to produce the older parts. GE offered assistance in removal and disposal of the Helix system.

Distribution

Worldwide Distribution-USA (nationwide) including Puerto Rico and Guam and the countries of Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Korea (Republic of), Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Martinique, Mexico, Morocco, Namibia, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, and United Kingdom.

Quantity

3062 units (1182 US, 1880 OUS)