BARD¿ BrachySource¿ Iodine125 radioactive seeds consist of a welded titanium capsule containing t...
FDA Device Recall #Z-1702-2018 — Class II — April 10, 2018
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | Z-1702-2018 |
| Classification | Class II — Moderate risk |
| Date Initiated | April 10, 2018 |
| Status | Terminated |
| Voluntary | Voluntary: Firm initiated |
Recalling Firm
| Firm | Bard Brachytherapy, Inc. |
| Location | Carol Stream, IL |
| Product Type | Devices |
| Quantity | 70 Seeds at 0.28mCi and 100 seeds at 0.36mCi |
Product Description
BARD¿ BrachySource¿ Iodine125 radioactive seeds consist of a welded titanium capsule containing the I125 absorbed onto a nickel / copper-coated, gold-cored aluminum wire (reference Figure 1 below). The I125 has a half-life of 59.6 days and decays by electron capture with the emission of characteristic photons and Auger electrons. The principal photon emissions are 27.4 and 31 keV x-rays and 35.5 keV gamma. The titanium wall of the BrachySource¿ Seed Implants absorbs the electrons.
Reason for Recall
Bard Medical Division is recalling the BARD¿ BrachySource¿ Iodine125 Radioactive Seeds in Mick¿ Applicators and BARD¿ BrachySource¿ Iodine125 Radioactive Seeds Loose in Vial with Sterile Spacers. Because the incorrect dosage level radioactive seeds were mixed up and sent to two hospitals. One Hospital ordered BrachySource¿ Iodine125 0.36 mCi radioactive seeds but instead received BrachySource¿ Iodine125 0.28 mCi radioactive seeds and vice versa for the other hospital affected.
Distribution Pattern
US Distribution to the states of : California and Georgia
Lot / Code Information
Product Code:1251CSR, BrachySource¿ Seed Implants in Re-Usable Mick¿ Applicators (60 seeds at 0.28mCi) with Lot BBCP0079 Product Code: 1251CSRA, BrachySource¿ Seed Implants in Shielded Mick¿ Applicators (10 seeds at 0.28mCi) with Lot BBCQ0026 Product Code: PS1251LS, Loose BrachySource¿ Seed Implants (with Lot BBCQ0050) Spacers (with Lot 23498276) 100 Seeds at 0.36 mCi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sterility recalls for medical devices vary in severity. If you have already had a procedure using a potentially non-sterile device, contact your healthcare provider immediately — you may need monitoring for signs of infection. Symptoms to watch for include fever, redness or swelling at the surgical site, unusual pain, or discharge. For devices that have not yet been used, they should be quarantined and returned to the manufacturer per the recall notice. Non-sterile implants can cause serious infections; early detection and treatment are critical.
Class I recalls indicate a reasonable probability of serious adverse health consequences or death from the defect. Class II recalls involve products that may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or where serious consequences are remote. Class III recalls cover products not likely to cause any adverse health consequences, typically involving technical regulatory violations. The classification guides urgency — Class I recalls require immediate action, while Class III may simply involve returning a product or acknowledging a labeling change. Always read the specific recall notice for recommended patient actions.
Report problems with medical devices to the FDA through MedWatch at 1-800-FDA-1088 or online at FDA.gov/safety/medwatch. Healthcare facilities are required by law to report device-related serious injuries and deaths. Patients and consumers can also report voluntarily. Include the device name, manufacturer, model number, and a description of the problem and any patient outcome. Reports from patients and clinicians help the FDA identify emerging safety signals and may trigger investigations that lead to recalls of dangerous devices.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this device if you are affected by this recall. Contact your healthcare provider and the manufacturer immediately for guidance. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.