Stryker announces that the company is launching a voluntary field action on specific units of their Lifepak 15 monitor/defibrillators. Specifically, the company is notifying certain Lifepak 15 customers of an issue that may cause the device to lock up after a defibrillation shock is delivered. The lock-up condition is defined as a blank monitor display with LED lights on, indicating power to the device, but no response in the keypad and device functions. A device in this condition has the potential to delay delivery of therapy—a consequence that could lead to serious injury or death.
The company is contacting customers with impacted devices to schedule the correction of their device(s), which will include an update to the firmware for a component on the system printed circuit board assembly. Stryker anticipates that all devices subject to this field action will be serviced by December 31. If a customer experiences this issue, they should contact Stryker as soon as possible at 800.442.1142 and select option 7.
Since the initial commercialization of Lifepak 15 in 2009, Stryker has become aware of 58 complaints reported globally for this issue, including six events in which the patient died following a delay in therapy. In all of these cases, at least one shock was delivered prior to the device experiencing the lock-up condition. There are 13,003 devices potentially impacted by this issue and within scope of this field action, Stryker officials say.
Further, the company is instructing customers to continue to use their Lifepak 15 monitor/defibrillators according to the operating instructions until the correction can be completed. Note: Device automatic self-tests do not identify this fault, as it occurs during defibrillation; therefore, customers should continue to perform the daily check as described in the operator’s checklist—specifically, the QUIK-COMBO therapy cable check as described in the General Maintenance and Testing Section (pages 10-4 and the Lifepak 15 Monitor/Defibrillator Operator’s Checklist, number 7).
If a device exhibits the lock-up condition during patient use, the steps from the General Troubleshooting Section (page 10-18) of the Lifepak 15 Monitor/Defibrillator Operating Instructions should be immediately followed:
- Press and hold “on” until the LED turns off (roughly five seconds). Then, press “on” to turn the device back on.
- If the device does not turn off, remove both batteries and disconnect the device from the power adapter, if applicable. Then, reinsert batteries—and/or reconnect the power adapter—and press “on” to turn the device back on.
One wonders what Styker was doing about this issues since 2009.
And a minor point perhaps, but having to hold down the ON button to turn it off does not sound like the most user friendly design.
Hi William, To power down a LP15, a two second hold is required. This eliminated the issue of a user accidentally powering off a device when the incorrect button was chosen. That was an improvement over the LP12 that was recommended by many users occurring over a decade of experience.
I have had two LifePak 15 units stays on after doing the 3 am self test. The unit then is found and is hot on the top and behind the display. I sent the first to Physio-Control but nothing was found incorrect. I just sent the second back to Physio-Control. Has anyone else experienced an issue similar to this?
Hi Dan, Based on my experience this tends to be an error by the user of leaving the device on after a call or performing a user test. This is easily proven by checking how long the device was left on. Usually educational review with the users will resolve the issue. You can always follow up regarding findings for any device sent in. Leverage your local service rep for assistance.